Accident Details
During the initial takeoff climb of a J-3 aircraft, the pilot began a left turn at approximately 125 feet above ground level. Shortly after initiating the turn, the pilot observed that the airspeed had decreased to about 40 knots. The airplane subsequently stalled, and the left wing impacted the ground before the pilot could recover from the stall.
The pilot reported that there were no mechanical issues with the aircraft. He stated that he had been maintaining a steep, nose-high attitude during the initial climb and had not been monitoring his airspeed. The combination of a steep climb and lack of attention to airspeed allowed the speed to decay, resulting in an aerodynamic stall.
No other factors were mentioned in the report. The sequence of events was limited to the takeoff and initial climb phase. No information was provided regarding the specific location, date, operator, or any injuries or fatalities. The aircraft was identified only as a J-3, and the pilot's report confirmed no preexisting mechanical deficiencies.
Pilot Actions
The pilot's actions during the climb included a steep nose-high attitude and a left turn initiated at a low altitude. He acknowledged that he did not monitor the airspeed gauge, which allowed the speed to drop to a stall threshold. The pilot did not report any external factors such as weather or traffic that might have influenced his decisions.
Findings
The investigation noted that the airplane stalled due to low airspeed while the pilot was occupied with the climbing turn. The pilot's statement indicated that the stall occurred without any mechanical failure. The left wing struck the ground first, consistent with a stall in a left turn.