1989-02-02: Piper J-3C-65 — Richards, TX

Casualties unknown • Richards, TX, US

Probable cause

THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE PREFLIGHT PLANNING/PREPARATION IN DISREGARDING WIND INFORMATION. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WERE THE GUSTING CROSSWIND CONDITIONS AND THE PILOT'S OVERCONFIDENCE IN PERSONAL ABILITY.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

THE PILOT HAD DEPARTED HIS PRIVATE AIRSTRIP 15 MINUTES EARLIER AND WAS TURNING FINAL FOR A LANDING TO THE SOUTH WHEN THE AIRPLANE HIT FIRST A TREE AND THEN THE GROUND. THE PILOT STATED A GUST OF WIND MADE THE AIRPLANE UNCONTROLLABLE AND BLEW IT INTO THE TREE. THE PILOT ALSO STATED THE WIND WAS FROM THE WEST-SOUTHWEST AT AN ESTIMATED 18 KNOTS GUSTING TO 25 KNOTS. WEATHER LISTED ABOVE UNDER WEATHER DATA WAS OBSERVED AT COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS, 38 NM FROM THE ACCIDENT SITE.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1989-02-02 Piper J-3C-65 accident near Richards, TX?

THE PILOT HAD DEPARTED HIS PRIVATE AIRSTRIP 15 MINUTES EARLIER AND WAS TURNING FINAL FOR A LANDING TO THE SOUTH WHEN THE AIRPLANE HIT FIRST A TREE AND THEN THE GROUND. THE PILOT STATED A GUST OF WIND MADE THE AIRPLANE UNCONTROLLABLE AND BLEW IT INTO THE TREE. THE PILOT ALSO STATED THE WIND WAS FROM THE WEST-SOUTHWEST…

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1989-02-02 involved a Piper J-3C-65, registration N6675H, at Richards, TX.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE PREFLIGHT PLANNING/PREPARATION IN DISREGARDING WIND INFORMATION. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WERE THE GUSTING CROSSWIND CONDITIONS AND THE PILOT'S OVERCONFIDENCE IN PERSONAL ABILITY.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X27723. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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