On June 18, 1995, a Piper J3C-65 (registration N7239H) was involved in an aviation accident near Yellow Springs, OH. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's decision to perform a flyby on a non-designated runway, which resulted in the right wing striking a tower during the climb-out phase of the second pass. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot performing a flyby on an undesignated ultralight runway lost control during the second pass, striking a tall tower and subsequently crashing into trees.
What happened
The pilot initiated a flyby maneuver targeting a runway that was not officially designated for standard aircraft operations but was utilized by ultralight vehicles. After completing the initial pass, the pilot reversed direction to execute a second approach. During the climb-out phase of this second pass, the right wing of the aircraft made contact with a tower standing 110 feet tall. The impact occurred approximately 20 feet below the apex of the structure. Following the collision, the airplane entered a descending right turn and subsequently struck trees in the vicinity.
Findings
The sequence of events indicates that the operation took place on an airfield not intended for conventional aircraft traffic. The loss of control manifested during the transition from the second pass to the climb-out phase. The primary mechanical failure was the wing striking a fixed obstacle, which led to the final impact with vegetation.
Safety message
Pilots should ensure that all flight operations are conducted on designated runways and airfields. Utilizing non-designated facilities for maneuvers such as flybys introduces significant risks regarding obstacles and terrain clearance.
Probable cause
The pilot's decision to perform a flyby on a non-designated runway, which resulted in the right wing striking a tower during the climb-out phase of the second pass.