Accident Overview
On 9 December 2016, a Piper J3C-65/L-4 (registration HB-OXD) was involved in a landing accident at Bressaucourt aerodrome (LSZQ) during a private flight under visual flight rules. The aircraft, operated by a private owner, was piloted by a Swiss citizen born in 1979. The pilot held a Private Pilot Licence (PPL(A)) with a total flight experience of 99 hours and 52 minutes, including 2 hours and 58 minutes in the last 90 days. On the accident aircraft type, the pilot had accumulated 7 hours and 25 minutes, with 1 hour and 30 minutes in the preceding 90 days.
Accident Sequence
The flight originated and terminated at Bressaucourt aerodrome. At 15:29 local time, during the landing approach on runway 25, the pilot executed the flare. At that moment, the aircraft deviated slightly to the left of the runway centerline. While attempting to correct the deviation and return to the center, the aircraft contacted the runway with the right wheel first. This uneven touchdown caused the pilot to lose control, and the aircraft veered into a ground loop to the left. During the ground loop, the right wing tip struck the ground, bringing the aircraft to a stop.
Injuries and Damage
The pilot, the only person on board, sustained minor injuries. The aircraft received slight damage, primarily to the right wing tip and landing gear components. No other property damage occurred.
Investigation
The Swiss Transportation Safety Investigation Board conducted a summary investigation according to Article 46 of the Swiss Ordinance on Safety Investigations on Transport Incidents. The final summary report was issued on 1 December 2022. The nature of the accident was determined to be a loss of control during landing.