On March 31, 1985, a Piper J-3C-65 (registration N98760) operated by James A. Szczepanski was involved in an aviation accident near Blairsville, GA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's decision to execute a sharp turn at low altitude, compounded by the presence of a windward knoll and uncertain wind conditions. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A Cessna J-3 Cub crashed after a sharp turn at low altitude, impacting a knoll and trees near the runway.
What happened
The private pilot was operating a Cessna J-3 Cub with a student pilot as a passenger during a local flight. While departing the airport, the pilot executed a sharp turn on the downwind leg at an approximate altitude of 100 feet above ground level. The aircraft subsequently struck the ground, bounced, and came to rest in a cluster of small trees.
The nearest reported wind data indicated winds at 19 knots. However, the pilot estimated the wind conditions to be approximately 10 knots. An on-site report from the fixed-base operator noted the presence of a knoll measuring 20 to 30 feet in height located upwind of the final impact point of the aircraft.
The investigation
Examination of the site revealed that the aircraft had impacted terrain features consistent with the described sequence of events. The presence of the windward knoll was documented as a significant topographical factor near the impact location.
Probable cause
The pilot's decision to execute a sharp turn at low altitude, compounded by the presence of a windward knoll and uncertain wind conditions.