Pilot Debrief

PIPER J3C-65 near Williams Lake, MI — 2011-07-19

Final reportCEN11CA498
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Date
2011-07-19
Location
Williams Lake, MI, USA
Aircraft
PIPER J3C-65
Registration
N88000
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

A loss of control during approach due to the front seat passenger's belt buckle being wedged between the rear seat,the rudder pedal and floor board.

NTSB narrative

The pilot landed after performing a local flight with a passenger. The passenger, who was seated in the front seat, exited the airplane. The pilot then departed on another local flight. During the approach for landing, while turning from the base leg to final approach, he was unable to move the left rudder pedal. The airplane entered a right hand spiral and impacted a tree and terrain. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and wings. A postaccident examination of the airplane revealed that the front seat belt buckle had jammed between the rear seat rudder pedal and floor board.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 3 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents3

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