Accident Details
On May 4, 2025, about 1325 central daylight time, a Piper J3C-65 airplane, registration N98416, was destroyed when it impacted terrain near Wilson, Kansas. The pilot was fatally injured. The flight was operated under 14 CFR Part 91 as a personal flight.
Flight History
The accident aircraft and another airplane, piloted by the pilot's friend, departed Eck Field (SN64) near Goddard, Kansas, and flew to Lucas Airport (38K) in Lucas, Kansas, 94 nautical miles southeast of SN64. The two pilots had lunch at 38K, then departed back to SN64, planning to stop at Lyons Airport (LYO) near Lyons, Kansas, to refuel. According to the pilot's friend, they checked fuel and oil in their respective aircraft after lunch and determined the amounts were sufficient.
Witness Account
The pilot's friend stated that after departure from 38K, they were in a shallow climb on a southeast heading at about 1,200 to 1,500 feet above ground level. He witnessed the accident airplane bank to the right in a nose-low attitude. The bank and nose-low attitude continued to steepen until the aircraft impacted the ground in a near-vertical, nose-down attitude. The friend reported that they had been talking on the radio and nothing seemed amiss. No distress call was made by the pilot.
Wreckage Examination
The airplane impacted a grassy field about 17 nautical miles southeast of 38K. It traveled about 45 feet from the initial impact point to the main wreckage, coming to rest inverted on a heading of about 186°. At the initial impact site, a piece of fabric-covered wood from the right wingtip was embedded in the ground. Debris followed in a straight line on a 266° heading, consisting of metal wing spars, plexiglass, and a large piece of fabric from the right wingtip. The engine, damaged propeller attached at the hub, header fuel tank, instrument panel, and airplane door were about 25 feet from the initial impact. The header fuel tank was crushed and breached, with no fuel present. The main wreckage, including fuselage, wings, and stabilizers, was about 20 feet from the engine.
Reported Handling Issue
About two years before the accident, the pilot informed his friend that the airplane had a slight right-turning tendency when he released the control stick in flight, requiring constant left pressure to maintain straight-and-level flight. The friend confirmed this tendency after flying the accident airplane, noting it was controllable with left pressure. The pilot did not seek to fix the issue, as it was not a significant concern.
Examination
The airplane wreckage and engine were retained for further examination.