Casualties unknown

1996-02-22: Piper J3C-65 (N75772) — Elk Grove, CA

Elk Grove, CA, US

On February 22, 1996, a Piper J3C-65 (registration N75772) was involved in an aviation accident near Elk Grove, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's failure to see and avoid the obstruction. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

An airplane collided with a 340-foot-high radio transmission tower approximately 37 feet below the top. The tower, marked with aviation orange and white paint, was depicted on the aeronautical chart. The aircraft had just departed a private ranch airstrip 1.28 nautical miles southeast.

Accident Overview

An airplane collided with one of three 340-foot-high radio transmission towers. The impact occurred approximately 37 feet from the top of the tower. The aircraft had departed from the pilot's private ranch airstrip located about 1.28 nautical miles southeast of the tower just minutes before the accident.

Tower Details

The towers are depicted on the aeronautical sectional chart as obstructions to air navigation. They are marked with alternating sections of aviation orange and aviation white paint, a standard marking for tall structures that pose a hazard to low-flying aircraft. The struck tower is one of three such towers at the site, each reaching a height of 340 feet.

Departure Information

The flight originated from a private airstrip on the pilot's ranch. The airstrip is situated approximately 1.28 nautical miles southeast of the tower location. The aircraft had been airborne for only minutes before the collision occurred. No further details about the flight's intended route or purpose have been reported.

Investigation

No official cause has been determined for the accident. The facts available describe the circumstances of the collision, including the height of the tower, the distance from the departure point, and the tower's visual markings. The investigation will likely focus on these elements as well as any other relevant factors.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X05276. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.