Aircraft strikes tree during low pass maneuver

Casualties unknown • Springfield, OH, US

An airplane clipped a tree at the end of an airstrip during a low pass maneuver and subsequently entered a right spiral, impacting the ground with the left wing detached.

What happened

The pilot executed a low pass over the airstrip. During the attempt to climb after this maneuver, the airplane struck a tree located at the end of the runway. Following the impact, the aircraft entered a right spiral before colliding with the ground.

An eyewitness reported that the purpose of the low pass was to allow the passenger's wife to take photographs from the ground. The pilot experienced a left quartering tailwind of approximately 13 knots during this operation. Reports indicated that the left wing detached from the airplane prior to impact, and the engine was heard running until the moment of collision.

Findings

The accident occurred during a low altitude maneuver where control was lost due to terrain contact. The presence of a quartering tailwind may have influenced the climb performance. The detachment of the left wing prior to ground impact suggests structural failure or separation caused by the initial tree strike.

Probable cause

The pilot's inadequate clearance during a low pass maneuver, which resulted in the airplane striking a tree at the end of the airstrip.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1996-10-13 Piper J3C-65 accident near Springfield, OH?

An airplane clipped a tree at the end of an airstrip during a low pass maneuver and subsequently entered a right spiral, impacting the ground with the left wing detached.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1996-10-13 involved a Piper J3C-65, registration N42719, at Springfield, OH.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's inadequate clearance during a low pass maneuver, which resulted in the airplane striking a tree at the end of the airstrip.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X06903. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

Loading the flight search…