PIPER J3C
Yakima, WA — October 3, 2017
Event Information
| Date | October 3, 2017 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | GAA18CA001 |
| Event ID | 20171004X81011 |
| Location | Yakima, WA |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 46.56667, -120.53584 |
| Airport | YAKIMA AIR TERMINAL/MCALLISTER |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | PIPER |
| Model | J3C |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 2 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The flight instructor's failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll.
Full Narrative
The flight instructor of the tailwheel equipped airplane reported that the purpose of the flight was to demonstrate a short field takeoff to an observing student.
During the takeoff roll, about rotation speed, the left wing unexpectedly dropped and impacted the ground. Subsequently the airplane ground looped and sustained substantial damage to both wings and the empennage.
The flight instructor reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
About This NTSB Record
This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.