Accident Details
On September 11, 2016, at 1558 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-18 airplane, registration N3286Z, sustained substantial damage when it impacted terrain southwest of the Greenville Municipal Airport (6D6) in Greenville, Michigan. The private pilot and a passenger suffered serious injuries. The flight was conducted under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed.
According to a written statement from the pilot, the airplane departed from runway 28. The pilot turned the airplane on course before reaching sufficient altitude to clear trees located south of the runway. While maneuvering to avoid the trees, the pilot stalled the airplane. Attempting to continue maneuvering away from the trees, the airplane entered a secondary stall, descended, and impacted terrain on the south side of the airport, approximately 100 yards southwest of the grass airstrip. The airplane struck the ground in a vertical attitude, resulting in crushed fuselage and wings.
Aircraft and Examination
The Piper PA-18 (serial number not provided in the source) was registered to and operated by a private individual. An FAA inspector who responded to the accident reported that no mechanical anomalies were found with the airframe, engine, or flight controls that would have precluded normal operation.
Injuries and Damage
The pilot and passenger sustained serious injuries. The airplane was substantially damaged. The source does not specify the extent of injuries beyond 'serious' and does not state any fatalities.
Flight Context
The flight was originating at the time of the accident and was en route to Hillsdale Municipal Airport (JYM) in Hillsdale, Michigan. No other aircraft or persons were involved.