PIPER J3C near Arcadia, FL — 2015-07-04

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing, which resulted in a runway excursion and collision with terrain.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that during the landing roll the airplane veered to the right and departed the runway. He stated that he over-corrected for the excursion and the airplane veered back to the left crossing the runway, and impacted a ditch. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and the empennage. The pilot reported that there were no pre-impact mechanical failures or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

• Runway excursion · Landing-landing roll

Evidence available

• Photos
• 3 docket documents

Docket documents3

• Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1form
• Photograph 1: Substantial damage to empennage (Courtesy of FAA)photos
• Photograph 2: Substantial damage to right wing (Courtesy of FAA)photos

Related mishaps

• JEREMY PRICE SMITH SUPER CUB

  2026-07-19 · Allisonia, VA

• CESSNA 172S

  2026-06-17 · DEATH VALLEY, CA

• PIPER PA 31P 350

  2026-04-17 · Ardmore, OK

• CESSNA 180K

  2026-03-27 · Beloit, KS

• CESSNA T210

  2026-03-11 · Upland, CA

• FRANKEWICH WALTER S-21 OUTBOUND

  2026-01-19 · Madisonville, TN