N23161PIPER J3C-502023-06-26 NTSB Accident Report

Substantial
Minor

PIPER J3C-50S/N: 2943

Summary

On June 26, 2023, a Piper J3C-50 (N23161) was involved in an accident near Elbert, CO. The accident resulted in 1 minor injury. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.

The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this accident to be: The pilot's loss of directional control during takeoff and subsequent excessive use of brakes which resulted in a nose-over. Contributing to the accident was his decision to takeoff downwind.

This accident is documented in NTSB report CEN23LA277. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N23161.

Accident Details

Date
Monday, June 26, 2023
NTSB Number
CEN23LA277
Location
Elbert, CO
Event ID
20230706192541
Coordinates
39.224185, -104.640070
Nearest Airport
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 loss of directional control during takeoff and subsequent excessive use of brakes which resulted in a nose-over. Contributing to the accident was his decision to takeoff downwind.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
PIPER
Serial Number
2943
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1939
Model / ICAO
J3C-50J3
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
2
FAA Model
J3C-50

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
HILLIS MICHAEL S
Address
PO BOX 956
City
ELIZABETH
State / Zip Code
CO 80107-0956
Country
United States

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CEN23LA277