Pilot Debrief

PIPER J3C-65 near Fort Worth, TX — 2024-07-27

Final reportCEN24LA290
Sign in to save
Date
2024-07-27
Location
Fort Worth, TX, USA
Airport
T67
Aircraft
PIPER J3C-65
Registration
N98813
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s decision to allow a non-rated passenger to manipulate the flight controls during the takeoff which resulted in a loss of directional control during the takeoff.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that during takeoff, the non-rated passenger manipulating the flight controls lost directional control of the airplane due to p-factor. The pilot attempted to correct with opposite rudder; however, the airplane ground looped to the left, impacted a runway lighting system, and came to rest in the grass. During the ground loop, the left wing struck the ground which resulted in substantial damage to the left wing and the empennage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 2 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents2

Related mishaps