On October 13, 1996, a Piper J3C-65 (registration N42719) was involved in an aviation accident near Springfield, OH. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: failure of the pilot to maintain obstacle clearance, while maneuvering at low altitudes. A related factor was the quartering tail wind. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a low pass over an airstrip, the airplane clipped a tree while climbing, entered a right spiral, and hit the ground. The left wing detached before impact; the engine was running until impact. A witness stated the pass was for taking pictures.
Incident Overview
An aircraft conducting a low pass over an airstrip struck a tree while attempting to climb, subsequently entering a right spiral and impacting the ground. The event occurred under reported wind conditions, with the pilot experiencing a left quartering tailwind of approximately 13 knots during the low pass.
Witness Account
A witness on the ground reported that the purpose of the low pass was to allow the passenger's wife to take photographs. The witness observed the sequence of events leading to the impact.
Damage and Engine Status
According to the investigation source, the left wing detached from the aircraft before it struck the ground. The engine was heard running until the moment of impact, indicating it continued to operate during the descent.
What happened in the 13 Oct 1996 Piper J3C-65 accident near Springfield, OH?
During a low pass over an airstrip, the airplane clipped a tree while climbing, entered a right spiral, and hit the ground. The left wing detached before impact; the engine was running until impact. A witness stated the pass was for taking pictures.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 13 Oct 1996 involved a Piper J3C-65, registration N42719, at Springfield, OH.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
failure of the pilot to maintain obstacle clearance, while maneuvering at low altitudes. A related factor was the quartering tail wind.
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