No fatalities

28 Jun 2010: PIPER J3C-65 — Thomaston, GA

Thomaston, GA, United States

On 28 Jun 2010, a PIPER J3C-65 was involved in an aviation accident near Thomaston, GA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during landing. 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 tailwheel-equipped airplane veered left after touchdown, striking a runway light and a distance remaining sign, resulting in substantial right wing damage. The pilot reported a left gust of wind pushing the tail right.

Accident Summary

During landing on runway 30, a tailwheel-equipped airplane veered off the left side of the runway after the pilot felt a gust of wind. The airplane subsequently struck a runway light and a distance remaining sign, causing substantial damage to its right wing.

Pilot's Account

According to the pilot, after touching down, he "felt a gust of wind hit the airplane from the left, which pushed the tail around to the right." The pilot stated he was not able to correct for the situation quickly enough, and the airplane departed the left side of the runway.

Sequence of Events

The left main wheel hit a runway light, turning the airplane until its right wing impacted a runway distance remaining sign. The right wing incurred substantial damage.

Weather Conditions

An aviation routine weather report for the airport, about the time of the accident, included winds from 240 degrees true at 10 knots, with clear skies and unrestricted visibility.

Contributing factors

PilotDirectional control — Not attained/maintained