PIPER J3C-65
Shepard, TX, June 17, 2011
Event Information
| Date | June 17, 2011 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| Location | Shepard, TX |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 30.46917, -94.90750 |
| Airport | Lake Water Wheels |
| Highest Injury | MINR |
| NTSB Number | CEN11CA406 |
| Event ID | 20110620X45834 |
Aircraft
| Make | PIPER |
| Model | J3C-65 |
| Registration # | N3504K |
| Operator | HOP Props LLC |
| Owner | HOP Props LLC |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 1 |
| None | 0 |
| Total Injured | 1 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
the pilot's loss of aircraft control after encountering windshear and turbulence on takeoff.
Full Narrative
The pilot departed in his single-engine airplane to practice touch and go landings. He said the sky was clear and the wind was blowing directly down the runway about 5 to 10 knots during the takeoff roll. When the airplane reached an altitude of 50 feet, the pilot encountered turbulent updrafts and downdrafts, which caused him to have a difficult time controlling the airplane. He tried to abort the take off but the airplane encountered an updraft and was turned almost 90 degrees to the right and was pushed over a heavily wooded area adjacent to the runway. The right wing stalled and the airplane collided with trees in a near vertical nose down attitude causing substantial damage to the wings and vertical stabilizer. Winds reported at an airport eight miles away were 160 degrees at 14 knots gusting to 20 knots. The pilot reported there were no mechanical deficiencies with 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.