N75487

Substantial
None

PIPER J3C-65S/N: 17648

Accident Details

Date
Friday, April 13, 2012
NTSB Number
ERA12CA281
Location
Plantation Key, FL
Event ID
20120415X83107
Coordinates
25.005277, -80.526390
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
2
Total Aboard
2

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate control of the airplane and ensure clearance from trees.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
PIPER
Serial Number
17648
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
PIKE MICHAEL R
Address
5981 DAUGHENBAUGH RD
City
IOWA
State / Zip Code
LA 70647-5107
Country
United States

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