What happened
On 2 April 2000, a Piper J3C-65 (registration ZS-NFP) was conducting a private pleasure flight near Kitty Hawk Aerodrome. The aircraft, carrying a pilot and one passenger, was executing a standard pattern maneuver while positioned on the downwind leg for Runway 01. During this phase of flight, the aircraft encountered sudden wind shear. This atmospheric disturbance caused the pilot to lose control of the plane, leading the right-hand wing to strike a tree before the aircraft impacted the ground.
The investigation
Investigators examined the circumstances surrounding the flight, noting that the weather conditions at the time were fine, with temperatures around 27°C and light winds from the north at 5 to 10 knots. The investigation focused on the flight path and the pilot's handling of the aircraft during the encounter with the wind shear. Both occupants of the Piper J3C-65 sustained minor injuries and were transported to a hospital for medical attention.
Findings
Analysis of the event determined that the primary factor in the accident was the pilot's failure to adhere to standard operating procedures. Specifically, the investigation established that the aircraft was being flown at an insufficient altitude and airspeed while on the downwind leg, which left the pilot with inadequate margin to recover when the wind shear occurred.