No fatalities

29 Sep 2009: PIPER J3C-65 — Spearfish, SD

Spearfish, SD, United States

On 29 Sep 2009, a PIPER J3C-65 was involved in an aviation accident near Spearfish, SD. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 1778583330Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot practicing wheel landings in a tailwheel airplane lost directional control after the third landing, resulting in a ground loop that substantially damaged the aft fuselage and right elevator.

Accident Details

A pilot was practicing wheel landings in a tailwheel-equipped airplane when the accident occurred. After completing the third landing, the pilot advanced the engine power to initiate another takeoff. During this maneuver, the pilot reported a loss of directional control, leading to a ground loop.

Aircraft Damage

As a result of the ground loop, the aircraft sustained substantial damage to the aft fuselage and the right elevator. The extent of the damage required repair before the aircraft could be returned to service.

Pilot Report

The pilot stated that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation of the airplane. The accident was attributed solely to the loss of directional control during the takeoff roll.

Contributing factors

Directional control — Not attained/maintainedPilot