PIPER J3C-65
Spearfish, SD — September 29, 2009
Event Information
| Date | September 29, 2009 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | CEN09CA608 |
| Event ID | 20090926X40119 |
| Location | Spearfish, SD |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 44.48028, -103.78306 |
| Airport | Black Hills Airport |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | PIPER |
| Model | J3C-65 |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 1 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll.
Full Narrative
The pilot was practicing wheel landings in a tailwheel-equipped airplane when the accident occurred. He reported that after his third landing he advanced engine power for another takeoff, but he lost directional control and the airplane subsequently ground looped. The aft fuselage and right elevator were substantially damaged during the ground loop. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation of the airplane.
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.