No fatalities

9 Aug 2017: PIPER J3C 65 — Camas, WA

Camas, WA, United States

On 9 Aug 2017, a PIPER J3C 65 was involved in an aviation accident near Camas, WA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot receiving instruction’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

During a tailwheel training flight, a pilot on a solo landing executed a wheel landing, then the airplane exited the runway left and struck a hangar, causing substantial fuselage damage.

Accident Details

A flight instructor providing tailwheel instruction reported that, after conducting several dual landings with the student pilot, he exited the airplane to allow the pilot receiving instruction to perform a solo flight. The instructor observed from the ground as the student pilot made his third solo landing. According to the instructor, the pilot performed a wheel landing. During the landing roll, the airplane departed the runway to the left and subsequently impacted a hangar.

Damage Assessment

The collision resulted in substantial damage to the airplane's fuselage. No other damage was reported.

Inspection Findings

The flight instructor stated that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The aircraft was reported to be functioning properly before the incident.

Contributing factors

Causes

Directional control — Not attained/maintainedStudent/instructed pilot

Other contributing factors

Contributed to outcome