Accident Overview
On May 30, 2008, at 1854 eastern daylight time, a Piper J3C, registration N3544N, collided with trees while approaching runway 14 at Lake Ridge Aero Park Airport (8NC8) in Durham, North Carolina. The private pilot, who owned the aircraft, was seriously injured, and the airplane sustained substantial damage. The flight was operated under 14 CFR Part 91 as a personal flight; no flight plan was filed. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and the flight had departed from 8NC8 at approximately 1834.
Site Examination
A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector examined the accident site. The airplane had struck the tops of trees and came to rest on a road in a steep nose-down attitude, approximately 100 yards short of the runway. Damage was observed to the engine, wings, and cockpit.
Post-Accident Inspection
The aircraft was moved to 8NC8 for further examination. At the time of inspection, the airplane was on a trailer with the wings removed and exposed to the elements. The reserve fuel tank was empty, and the 12-gallon main fuel tank contained an unknown quantity of fuel. The top forward weld seam of the main fuel tank was ruptured. A fuel sample from the main tank showed evidence of water and other contaminants. Notably, heavy rain had fallen the night before sampling. The propeller spinner exhibited rotational damage, and the wooden propeller blades were shattered. Flight control continuity was confirmed. The inspection found no evidence of preexisting failure or malfunction of the aircraft structure, flight controls, or engine.
Pilot Interview
The FAA inspector made several unsuccessful attempts to interview the pilot due to the extent of his injuries. On February 9, 2009, the National Transportation Safety Board investigator conducted a telephone interview with the pilot. The pilot stated that due to his injuries, he had no recollection of the accident and had lost all recent memories since the event.
Investigation Findings
No precrash mechanical anomalies were identified. The investigation did not determine a probable cause.