Summary
On April 13, 2012, a Piper J3C-65 (N75487) was involved in an incident near Plantation Key, FL. All 2 people 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 adequate control of the airplane and ensure clearance from trees.
According to the pilot, he stated that during the initial climb, the airplane lost lift and began to descend due to turbulence. The pilot initiated a turn back to the runway in order to land, and subsequently impacted trees resulting in substantial damage. Weather at the time of the accident consisted of visual meteorological conditions with 7 knot winds. A postaccident examination of the wreckage did not find any anomalies with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.
This incident is documented in NTSB report ERA12CA281. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N75487.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate control of the airplane and ensure clearance from trees.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
According to the pilot, he stated that during the initial climb, the airplane lost lift and began to descend due to turbulence. The pilot initiated a turn back to the runway in order to land, and subsequently impacted trees resulting in substantial damage. Weather at the time of the accident consisted of visual meteorological conditions with 7 knot winds. A postaccident examination of the wreckage did not find any anomalies with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ERA12CA281