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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

March 16, 1996 · Piper J3C-65 · N26923

Salado, TX

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 16, 1996
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Salado, TX
Aircraft
Piper J3C-65
Tail Number
N26923
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
FTW96LA150

While on approach to a 1,400-foot field, the pilot initiated a go-around. During the go-around, the landing gear contacted a power line. The pilot landed the airplane in a field. Structural damage occurred to the propeller, landing gear, and right wing.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's failure to maintain altitude/clearance from the power line.

Full Narrative

On March 16, 1996, at 1500 central standard time, a Piper J3C-65, N26923, registered to and operated by a private owner, was substantially damaged when it collided with a power line during a go-around near Salado, Texas. The airline transport rated pilot and one passenger were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed for the Title 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight. The flight originated approximately 5 minutes prior to the accident. The Pilot/Operator report revealed the following information. The flight departed from the 1,400 foot grass field to the north and subsequently repositioned for a landing to the south. During the southbound approach, the pilot initiated a go-around. During the go-around attempt, "the landing gear encountered a power line at the departure end" of the grass field. The pilot subsequently landed the airplane in a field. Structural damage occurred to the right wing, propeller, and landing gear. A witness reported in the enclosed Witness Statement that the airplane departed to the north, then "turned around and flew low over [the] hayfield and [the pilot's] friends." The airplane subsequently "clipped a wire and spun into the field across the street from the hayfield."

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:00 CST
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper J3C-65
Tail NumberN26923
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · A-65-8 · Reciprocating · 65
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 43 · First Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind90° @ 10 kt
Visibility7 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data