On July 4, 2015, a PIPER J3C 65 operated by George A. Pertuit was involved in an aviation accident near Arcadia, FL. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing, which resulted in a runway excursion and collision with terrain. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
During the landing roll, an airplane veered right and departed the runway. The pilot overcorrected, causing the airplane to veer left, cross the runway, and impact a ditch, resulting in substantial damage to both wings and empennage. No pre-impact mechanical failures were reported.
Accident Description
The accident sequence began during the landing roll when the airplane unexpectedly veered to the right, causing it to depart the runway surface. In response, the pilot applied corrective control inputs. According to the pilot, he over-corrected for the runway excursion. This overcorrection resulted in the airplane veering abruptly to the left, crossing the runway, and striking a ditch located adjacent to the runway.
Pilot Statement
The pilot reported that there were no pre-impact mechanical failures or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation.
Aircraft Damage
The impact with the ditch caused substantial damage to the airplane. Both wings and the empennage were damaged in the collision.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 4 Jul 2015 PIPER J3C 65 accident near Arcadia, FL?
During the landing roll, an airplane veered right and departed the runway. The pilot overcorrected, causing the airplane to veer left, cross the runway, and impact a ditch, resulting in substantial damage to both wings and empennage. No pre-impact mechanical failures were reported.
Were there any fatalities in the 4 Jul 2015 PIPER J3C 65 accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 4 Jul 2015 involved a PIPER J3C 65, operated by George A. Pertuit, at Arcadia, FL.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing, which resulted in a runway excursion and collision with terrain.