Pilot Debrief

PIPER J3C-65 near Macon, GA — 2014-02-19

Final reportERA14LA137
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Date
2014-02-19
Location
Macon, GA, USA
Airport
MAC
Aircraft
PIPER J3C-65
Registration
N9026N
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Maneuvering

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control while maneuvering in the traffic pattern at low altitude in gusting wind. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s improper decision to maneuver in the traffic pattern at a low altitude that did not allow for recovery.

NTSB narrative

Two witnesses reported that they saw the pilot performing touch-and-go landings. During takeoff, the airplane lifted off about halfway down the runway and began a right turn to the crosswind leg of the airport traffic pattern when it was about 100 feet above ground level (agl). As the airplane began the right turn, its bank angle increased from about 30 to 90 degrees, and its forward speed slowed. The airplane subsequently stalled, rolled right, and descended uncontrolled into a grassy area adjacent to the runway. Examination of the wreckage did not reveal any preimpact mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. The recorded wind near the accident site about the time of the accident was aligned with the departure runway at 11 knots gusting to 20 knots. Federal Aviation Administration guidance advises pilots not to turn to the crosswind leg until the airplane is beyond the departure end of the runway and has reached an altitude of 700 feet agl or higher. The pilot's turn at 100 feet agl while in the traffic pattern was too low and did not allow sufficient altitude to recover from an in-flight upset.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot should have continued climbing straight ahead after takeoff.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents6

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