What happened
On the evening of April 10, 1969, a Piper J3C, registration HB-OCI, was performing a local pleasure flight at Ecuvillens airfield. The aircraft, carrying a pilot and one passenger, touched down on runway 10 approximately 250 meters from the threshold.
Shortly after landing, the aircraft began to veer toward the right side of the runway. The aircraft eventually departed the paved surface at an angle of approximately 40 degrees, striking a Cessna 150, registration HB-CTO, which was stationary on the adjacent taxiway. The Cessna was occupied by a student pilot and an instructor; the student pilot was at the controls with the engine idling while awaiting instructions. The collision caused significant damage to both aircraft, including destruction of the left wing of the Piper and the right wing of the Cessna, but no injuries were reported among the four individuals involved.
The investigation
Investigators examined the mechanical condition of the Piper J3C and found no evidence of technical failure. The rudder controls, wheel brakes, and tailwheel attachment were all in proper working order. The aircraft's weight and center of gravity were within prescribed limits at the time of the accident.
Analysis of the runway markings revealed two tailwheel impressions spaced 10 meters apart, indicating that the rear of the aircraft bounced during the landing sequence. This bounce caused the fuselage to become slightly oblique to the runway centerline. The investigation also noted that the weather conditions were ideal, with clear skies, good visibility, and calm winds.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was a loss of directional control during the landing roll.
- The pilot failed to maintain the aircraft on the runway centerline following a tailwheel bounce.
- The departure from the runway was attributed to pilot error, specifically a lack of corrective action or an improper response to the aircraft's sudden change in direction.