N6245H

Substantial
Minor

PIPER J3C 65S/N: 19419

Accident Details

Date
Saturday, May 3, 2014
NTSB Number
CEN14CA231
Location
Connersville, IN
Event ID
20140507X95125
Coordinates
39.694442, -85.132225
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
1
Uninjured
0
Total Aboard
1

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's inability to control the airplane while taxiing due to a strong crosswind condition.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
PIPER
Serial Number
19419
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
BIDDLE JEFFREY E
Address
2619 S HILLVIEW DR
City
NEW PALESTINE
State / Zip Code
IN 46163-8788
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot reported that he decided to land at an en route airport to obtain fuel due to a stronger headwind than what was forecast for his route of flight. The pilot made a normal landing to the north and turned west off the runway onto the first taxi. He then made another turn to the north on the taxiway that paralleled the runway. As he taxied beyond a row of trees that were to the west, the upwind wing of the airplane lifted and the airplane flipped inverted. The rudder and left front wing strut were substantially damaged. The pilot stated he was using proper crosswind taxi technique, but was unable to keep the wing down. The wind conditions recorded at an airport located 37 miles away from the airport where the accident occurred were from 290 degrees at 16 knots gusting to 25 knots. The pilot reported the local wind condition at the time of the accident was similar.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CEN14CA231