N7326H

Substantial
None

Piper J3CS/N: 20588

Accident Details

Date
Wednesday, September 4, 2019
NTSB Number
GAA19CA539
Location
Winfield, AL
Event ID
20190911X54459
Coordinates
33.863334, -87.845275
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 proper wind correction input during taxi in a gusting tailwind, which resulted in a nose over.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
PIPER
Serial Number
20588
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1946
Model / ICAO
J3CJ3
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
2
FAA Model
J3C-65

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
MADISON NICHOLAS R
Address
7340 HIGHWAY 102
City
FAYETTE
State / Zip Code
AL 35555-6503
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, while taxiing for takeoff, a tailwind gust lifted the tail and the airplane nosed over.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing, right wing lift strut, and the rudder.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

The pilot reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was light and variable, gusting to 15 knots. The pilot was back taxiing to the south.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# GAA19CA539