Piper J3C-65 near Shallowater, TX — 2008-02-10

Probable cause

Failure of the pilot to maintain a safe clearance from the terrain while manuevering for the landing surface.

NTSB narrative

While maneuvering to final approach for a landing the pilot allowed the left wing of the airplane to contact the ground and subsequently collided with terrain. The airplane was substantially damaged. The pilot was wearing a shoulder restraint and lap belt and was not injured. The pilot reported that the collision was due to pilot error by allowing the airplane to get too low while maneuvering to land. Additionally the pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions prior to the accident.

NTSB coding

• Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT) · Approach-VFR pattern base

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