Pilot Debrief

PIPER J3C-65 near Miles City, MT — 2023-08-11

Final reportWPR23LA311
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Date
2023-08-11
Location
Miles City, MT, USA
Aircraft
PIPER J3C-65
Registration
N3609K
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane while landing on unimproved terrain.

NTSB narrative

The pilot was relocating the airplane to a hangar on his ranch. The pilot reported that the airplane did not climb as he expected after takeoff with a headwind to the west. About 100 ft above ground level (agl), the pilot initiated a left turn to the east to perform a precautionary landing to unimproved terrain. Subsequently, the airplane impacted terrain resulting in substantial damage to the fuselage and left wing. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents2

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