PIPER J3C-65 near South Lyon, MI — 2024-02-12

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from trees during the landing approach.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that while on final approach to a private airstrip the airplane drifted left of the runway centerline. Before he could take corrective action, the airplane’s left wing impacted trees adjacent to the airstrip. The airplane came to rest suspended nose down in the trees with substantial damage to the vertical stabilizer, rudder, and the left wing and its wing strut. A postaccident review of available weather data indicated the reported surface wind was calm-to-3 knots and of variable direction at the time of the accident. The pilot stated that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operations.

NTSB coding

• Collision during takeoff/land · Approach-VFR pattern final
• Attention / Monitoring

Evidence available

• Photos
• 3 docket documents

Docket documents3

• PILOT/OPERATOR AIRCRAFT ACCIDENT REPORT, NTSB FORM 6120.1form
• WEATHER SUMMARYother
• PHOTO ARRAYphotos

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