13 Apr 2009: PIPER J3C 65

13 Apr 2009: PIPER J3C 65 — Unknown operator

No fatalities • Montrose, CO, United States

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

According to the pilot, immediately after lift-off, the prevailing wind shifted from a headwind to a tailwind and he was unable to maintain aircraft heading/runway centerline. The airplane was blown toward the runway edge and settled onto the dirt beside the runway. During the roll-out, the airplane struck a taxiway location/runway holding position sign midway between the passenger compartment and the empennage resulting in the empennage being bent approximately 70 degrees to the right. Weather reported at the time of the accident was; wind variable at 5 knots, 10 miles visibility, clear skies, temperature 18, dew point minus 4, altimeter setting 30.00 inches. The pilot reported no mechanical anomalies with the airplane prior to the accident. An examination of the airplane revealed no mechanical anomalies.

Contributing factors

  • cause Pilot
  • cause Directional control — Not attained/maintained

Conditions

Weather
VMC, wind 000/06kt, vis 10sm

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