No fatalities

27 May 2010: PIPER J-3 — FABBRI NANCY W — Parker, CO

Parker, CO, United States

On 27 May 2010, a PIPER J-3 operated by FABBRI NANCY W was involved in an aviation accident near Parker, CO. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane while landing in gusting winds. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 2 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 1778583330Data APIEditorial standards

During a go-around at a private grass strip, a gust of wind tipped the airplane, causing the right wing to strike an embankment and break off the landing gear.

Incident Overview

A private pilot and her husband, also a private pilot, were attempting to land their single-engine airplane at a private grass strip in gusting wind conditions. The husband was handling the controls. He made an approach to runway 18 but decided to perform a go-around.

Sequence of Events

While climbing out, a gust of wind caught the right wing and tipped the airplane upward. The pilot was unable to maintain altitude, and the right wing struck an embankment. The impact caused the landing gear to break off.

Pilot Reports

Both pilots reported that there were no pre-existing mechanical deficiencies with the airplane. The wind at the time of the accident was reported to be from the south at 17 knots, gusting to 25 knots.

Aircraft and Conditions

The single-engine airplane was operating on a private grass strip. No other details about the aircraft or occupants were provided in the source.

Contributing factors

PilotResponse/compensation