On December 17, 1989, a Piper J3C-65 (registration N6874H) was involved in an aviation accident near Lynch, NE. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain control during the touch-and-go landing maneuver, which resulted in a collision with the ground. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A light aircraft crashed one mile west of Lynch, Nebraska, following a touch-and-go maneuver from a private farm strip. The investigation found no mechanical failures or pilot impairment.
What happened
The pilot occupying the rear seat and a passenger in the front seat departed from an unpaved farm strip located near Lynch, Nebraska. During the flight, the aircraft executed a touch-and-go landing maneuver. Following this maneuver, the airplane impacted the ground approximately one mile west of Lynch.
The investigation
Examination of the wreckage revealed no evidence of pre-impact system or powerplant malfunction. Analysis of the propeller blades exhibited signs consistent with engine power being applied at the moment of impact. Additionally, medical and toxicological testing identified no contributing factors related to pilot impairment.
Findings
The investigation determined that the crash was not caused by mechanical failure or environmental conditions affecting the aircraft's systems. The absence of medical or toxicological issues suggests the pilot was physically capable of operating the aircraft at the time of the incident.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain control during the touch-and-go landing maneuver, which resulted in a collision with the ground.