N3260N

Substantial
None

PIPER J3C-65S/N: 22452

Accident Details

Date
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
NTSB Number
CEN09CA608
Location
Spearfish, SD
Event ID
20090926X40119
Coordinates
44.480278, -103.783058
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
1
Total Aboard
1

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
PIPER
Serial Number
22452
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1946
Model / ICAO
J3C-65J3
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
2
FAA Model
J3C-65

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
ECKEL KENNETH W
Address
1930 GREEN VILLAGE DR
City
HERNANDO
State / Zip Code
MS 38632-7252
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot was practicing wheel landings in a tailwheel-equipped airplane when the accident occurred. He reported that after his third landing he advanced engine power for another takeoff, but he lost directional control and the airplane subsequently ground looped. The aft fuselage and right elevator were substantially damaged during the ground loop. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation of the airplane.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CEN09CA608