Pilot Debrief

PIPER J3C-65 near Thomaston, GA — 2010-06-28

Final reportERA10CA339
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Date
2010-06-28
Location
Thomaston, GA, USA
Airport
OPN
Aircraft
PIPER J3C-65
Registration
N41242
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during landing.

NTSB narrative

According to the pilot, after touching down on runway 30 in the tailwheel-equipped airplane, he “felt a gust of wind hit the airplane from the left, which pushed the tail around to the right.” The pilot also stated that he was not able to correct for the situation quickly enough, and the airplane departed the left side of the runway. The left main wheel hit a runway light, turning the airplane until its right wing impacted a runway distance remaining sign. The airplane incurred substantial damage to its right wing. An aviation routine weather report for the airport, about the time of the accident, included winds from 240 degrees true at 10 knots, with clear skies and unrestricted visibility.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 2 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents2

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