On September 2, 1996, a Piper J-3 (registration N92085) was involved in an aviation accident near Wildwood, NJ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from the terrain during low-level maneuvering, which resulted in the right wing striking the marsh. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A biplane's right wing struck a marshy area during low-level flight following banner towing operations, resulting in the aircraft coming to rest in the wetland.
What happened
The pilot had been engaged in banner towing operations throughout the day. Upon completing his final mission, he released the banner and proceeded to join two other aircraft for a period of low-level flight. During maneuvers over a marshy area, the right wing of the aircraft made contact with the ground. The airplane subsequently came to rest within the marsh.
Findings
The accident occurred during the maneuvering phase of flight in a marshy environment. The direct cause was the impact of the right wing with the marsh surface.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from the terrain during low-level maneuvering, which resulted in the right wing striking the marsh.
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