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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

April 23, 1995 · Piper J-3 · N26991

Elk Creek, WI

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 23, 1995
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury), 1 uninjured
Location
Elk Creek, WI
Aircraft
Piper J-3
Tail Number
N26991
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI95LA133

THE PILOT WAS ATTEMPTING TO LAND TO THE NORTH ON A PRIVATE FIELD. THE WINDS WERE REPORTED FROM 160 DEGREES. AFTER DETERMINING THAT THE AIRPLANE'S AIRSPEED WAS TOO EXCESSIVE TO LAND ON THE FIELD, THE NON-CERTIFICATED PILOT DECIDED TO PERFORM A GO AROUND. THE PILOT STATED THE EXCESSIVE AIRSPEED WAS CAUSED BY HIS TRYING TO LAND WITH A TAILWIND. WHILE CLIMBING, THE AIRPLANE'S RIGHT WING IMPACTED TREES WHICH WERE LOCATED ALONG THE FIELD'S EDGE. THE AIRPLANE IMPACTED THE GROUND IN A NEAR VERTICAL ATTITUDE.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's failure to maintain clearance with the trees. Factors in the accident include the trees, the tailwind condition, and the pilot's lack of proper certification.

Full Narrative

On April 23, 1995, at 1125 central daylight time, a Piper J-3 Cub, N26991, sustained substantial damage when it impacted trees while the pilot was performing a go around from a field in Elk Creek, Wisconsin. The non-certificated pilot reported no injuries, the passenger reported minor injuries. The local 14 CFR Part 91 pleasure flight operated without flight plan in visual meteorological conditions. The pilot was attempting to land to the north on a private field. The winds were reported from 160 degrees. After determining that his airplane's airspeed was too excessive to land, the pilot stated he decided to perform a go around. The pilot stated the excessive airspeed was caused by his trying to land with a tailwind. While climbing, the airplane's right wing impacted trees which were located along the field's edge. The airplane impacted the ground in a near vertical attitude.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:25 CDT
Nearest AirportPrivate Field (0nm)
Runway36
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper J-3
Tail NumberN26991
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · A-65-8A · Reciprocating · 65
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury), 1 uninjured
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured1
Total2
Crew 1Age 71 · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind160° @ 6 kt, gusting 12 kt
Visibility20 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point50 / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data