Summary
On September 29, 2009, a Piper J3C-65 (N3260N) was involved in an incident near Spearfish, SD. All 1 person aboard were uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this incident to be: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll.
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.
This incident is documented in NTSB report CEN09CA608. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N3260N.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
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