9 May 2013: PIPER J3C-65

9 May 2013: PIPER J3C-65 — Unknown operator

No fatalities • Selma, NC, United States

Probable cause

The instructor pilot’s inadequate visual lookout, which resulted in a collision with power lines and then the ground.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

According to the instructor pilot, he was at the airplane controls while he demonstrated a touch and go landing with the student pilot. He stated that the airplane collided with unmarked power lines during an attempt to land on an undesignated grass strip. The airplane came to rest on the ground inverted. Examination of the airplane revealed substantial damage to the airplane fuselage and empennage. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Contributing factors

factor Contributed to outcome
cause Flight crew

Conditions

Weather: VMC, wind 210/03kt, vis 10sm

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