Casualties unknown

Aircraft Drifts into Fence During Takeoff After Improper Line-Up (N6248H)

Kilgore, TX, US

On October 19, 1984, a Piper J3C-65 (registration N6248H) operated by Roger L Carr was involved in an aviation accident near Kilgore, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A combination of engine torque and a slight right crosswind caused the aircraft to drift into the fence, after which directional control was lost. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During takeoff, an aircraft drifted into a fence due to engine torque and a right crosswind, losing directional control and stopping after traversing approximately 150 feet of fence.

Accident Overview

The accident occurred during takeoff from a strip. After taxiing north to the end of the strip, the aircraft made a 180-degree turn to align for takeoff to the south. During the turn, the aircraft was lined up with its left wing tip close to a fence. The pilot intended to correct the line-up during the takeoff roll.

Sequence of Events

As the takeoff roll began, a combination of engine torque and a slight right crosswind caused the aircraft to drift into the fence. Directional control was subsequently lost. The aircraft continued to move, rolling through approximately 150 feet of fence before coming to a stop.

Weather Conditions

The nearest weather observation facility recorded wind from 120 degrees at 5 knots at the time of the accident.

Probable Cause

The probable cause of the accident was a combination of engine torque and a slight right crosswind, which caused the aircraft to drift into the fence, resulting in a loss of directional control.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 19 Oct 1984 Piper J3C-65 accident near Kilgore, TX?

During takeoff, an aircraft drifted into a fence due to engine torque and a right crosswind, losing directional control and stopping after traversing approximately 150 feet of fence.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 19 Oct 1984 involved a Piper J3C-65, registration N6248H, operated by Roger L Carr, at Kilgore, TX.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

A combination of engine torque and a slight right crosswind caused the aircraft to drift into the fence, after which directional control was lost.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X41378. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.