N33463

Substantial
Minor

Piper J3CS/N: 5973

Accident Details

Date
Thursday, September 26, 2019
NTSB Number
GAA19CA575
Location
Lander, WY
Event ID
20190927X91240
Coordinates
42.815277, -108.728614
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
2
Uninjured
0
Total Aboard
2

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's failure to maintain lateral control during takeoff with a quartering tailwind, which resulted in the right wing striking the ground, a runway excursion, impact with a fence, and a subsequent noseover. 

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
PIPER
Serial Number
5973
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Model / ICAO
J3CJ3
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
2
FAA Model
J3C-65

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
HOUDEK TODD L
Address
185 ACORN DR
City
ROSEBURG
State / Zip Code
OR 97470-9401
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot of the tailwheel equipped airplane reported that, during takeoff in ground effect, the airplane encountered a gust of wind from the left and the right wing struck the ground. The airplane drifted right, the main landing gear impacted a fence parallel to the runway, and the airplane nosed over.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, empennage and both wings.

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

The airport's automated weather observation station reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was from 280° at 18 knots, gusting to 28 knots. The airplane was departing from runway 04.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# GAA19CA575