Accident Overview
On September 16, 2017, at approximately 1649 eastern daylight time, a Piper J3C-65, registration N38365, was substantially damaged when it struck trees and terrain while maneuvering near Hanover Township, Pennsylvania. The private pilot and pilot-rated passenger received minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the local personal flight, which had departed from Herron Airport (7G1) in New Cumberland, West Virginia. The airplane was operated under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91.
Pilot Statement
The pilot reported that he and the passenger had completed two previous local flights earlier that day before the accident flight. During the third flight, at an altitude of approximately 1,000 feet above ground level, he initiated a left turn. The airplane then rolled over into an inverted attitude, which he described as happening "in a bat of an eye." He corrected the roll, and when the airplane was straight and level, he observed tree tops ahead. He attempted to pull up, but the airplane contacted the tree tops and impacted the ground. The pilot stated there were no mechanical issues with the airplane that would have precluded normal operations.
Passenger Statement
The pilot-rated passenger indicated that they were flying alongside friends in other airplanes. One of the friend's airplanes passed them to the left, and they intended to turn left and follow it. During the left turn, the airplane rolled over. She remarked that it "rolled over so fast she could not believe it." They then encountered tree tops and impacted the ground. She also noted no mechanical issues that would have precluded normal operations.
Wreckage Examination
An examination of the wreckage conducted by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed damage to the forward and aft wing spar on the left wing. The right main landing gear had separated, and one propeller blade was bent. The bulkhead fuel tank was ruptured. Cable continuity was established to all flight controls, indicating no control system failures.