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NTSB Report
August 25, 1996 · Piper J3 · N2CE
Aiken, SC
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 25, 1996
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Aiken, SC
Aircraft
Piper J3
Tail Number
N2CE
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
MIA96LA217
The pilot stated that his right foot bumped on the right brake during a 'hard landing,' causing the airplane to turn to the right toward trees. He elected to abort the landing, but after verring to the right, the airplane struck trees. Examination of the airplane did not reveal any preimpact discrepancy with the brakes or flight controls.
NTSB Probable Cause
the pilot's improper flare, which resulted in a hard landing; and his loss of directional control, which was followed by impact with trees.
Full Narrative
On August 25, 1996, about 1345 eastern daylight time, a Piper J3, N2CE, registered to a private owner, operating as a Title 14 CFR Part 91, personal flight, crashed while on an aborted landing at the Aiken Airport, Aiken, South Carolina. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The airplane was substantially damaged. The private pilot was not injured. After landing, during a touch-and-go, the pilot stated that the cause of the accident was, "...[his] right foot bumping on [the] right brake during [a] hard landing, caused [the] airplane [to] turn to [the] right toward trees...." The pilot elected to abort the landing, the airplane veered to the right, and struck trees. Examination of the wreckage did not reveal any discrepancies with the brakes, or the flight controls.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:45 EDT
Nearest AirportAIKEN (0nm)
Runway24
Runway Length5000 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper J3
Tail NumberN2CE
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · C90-12-F · Reciprocating · 90
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 42 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO