Wind gust causes damage to Piper J3C Cub at Basel-Mulhouse

Casualties unknown • Bâle-Mulhouse Aéroport (LFSB)/FRA, CH

A parked Piper J3C Cub sustained heavy damage after being lifted and thrown by a powerful wind gust at Basel-Mulhouse airport.

What happened

On May 4, 1965, a Piper J3C Cub, registered as HB-OCH, was parked at the Basel-Mulhouse airport. During its time on the ground, the aircraft was struck by a sudden, powerful gust of wind. The force of the wind was sufficient to lift the aircraft off the ground, propelling it approximately 40 meters from its original position. Upon impact with the ground, the aircraft sustained significant structural damage, estimated at roughly 70 percent.

The investigation

Following the event, the Federal Commission of Inquiry on Aircraft Accidents reviewed the preliminary investigation report provided by the French Ministry of Public Works and Transport. The commission examined the details regarding the aircraft's movement and the resulting impact. Based on the findings of the initial report, the commission decided to conclude its investigation without pursuing further technical research or additional investigative measures.

Probable cause

A violent wind gust lifted the stationary aircraft and caused it to slide/tumble 40 meters, resulting in heavy damage.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1965-05-04 PIPER AIRCRAFT CORPORATION J3C-65/L-4. accident near Bâle-Mulhouse Aéroport (LFSB)/FRA, CH?

A parked Piper J3C Cub sustained heavy damage after being lifted and thrown by a powerful wind gust at Basel-Mulhouse airport.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1965-05-04 involved a PIPER AIRCRAFT CORPORATION J3C-65/L-4., registration HB-OCH, at Bâle-Mulhouse Aéroport (LFSB)/FRA, CH.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

A violent wind gust lifted the stationary aircraft and caused it to slide/tumble 40 meters, resulting in heavy damage.

Investigation report by the Swiss Transportation Safety Investigation Board (STSB / SUST). Original record: https://www.sust.admin.ch/inhalte/AV-berichte/235.pdf. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the Swiss Transportation Safety Investigation Board (STSB), Switzerland.

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