Accident Details
The accident occurred while the pilot of a Piper J3C-65 was practicing banner towing operations. The airplane was landing on runway 9L, a 3,241-foot-long, 100-foot-wide asphalt runway. After a normal touchdown, the tailwheel airplane yawed into the wind and veered off the side of the runway. Subsequently, it struck a sign, resulting in damage to the propeller, landing gear, and fuselage.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The pilot stated that he did not experience any mechanical malfunctions with the airplane. He reported a total of 300 hours of flight experience, which included 25 hours in the same make and model as the accident airplane.
Weather Conditions
Winds reported at the airport approximately 30 minutes prior to the accident were from 160 degrees at 11 knots, gusting to 17 knots.