On September 26, 1990, a Piper J-3C-115 (registration N49595) operated by Genesis Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Wickenburg, AZ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing, which resulted in a ground loop and collision with terrain. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An airplane lost directional control during landing on runway 23 at Wickenburg Muni Airport, Arizona, resulting in a ground loop and collision with terrain. The pilot survived without reporting mechanical issues.
What happened
The accident occurred while an aircraft was attempting to land on runway 23 at Wickenburg Muni Airport in Wickenburg, Arizona. During the landing roll, the pilot lost directional control of the airplane. This loss of control caused the aircraft to ground loop, deviating from the paved surface.
Following the ground loop, the airplane exited the runway and collided with the surrounding terrain. Ground witnesses observed the event and reported that surface winds at the time were light and variable, indicating that weather conditions were not a primary factor in the loss of control.
The investigation
Post-accident examination revealed no evidence of pre-impact mechanical difficulties. The pilot did not report any issues with the aircraft prior to or during the incident. Witnesses on the ground confirmed the sequence of events involving the loss of directional control and subsequent departure from the runway environment.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing, which resulted in a ground loop and collision with terrain.