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NTSB Report
January 13, 1991 · Piper J3C-65 · N87867
Springbrook, WI
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
January 13, 1991
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Springbrook, WI
Aircraft
Piper J3C-65
Tail Number
N87867
Operator
Kris G Wells
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI91LA072
A COMMERCIAL PILOT IN A TAILWHEEL AIRPLANE WITH SKIS ATTEMPTED TAKEOFF FROM A 1200 FOOT LONG CORNFIELD COVERED WITH 8 INCHES OF LOOSE SNOW. THE GROUND RUN WAS PARALLEL TO THE FURROWS WITH WIND AT 14 KNOTS, GUSTING TO 21 KNOTS, DIRECTLY BEHIND THE AIRPLANE. THE PILOT'S STATEMENT INDICATES THE ENGINE LOST POWER 2/3 OF THE WAY DOWN THE FIELD, AND HE ATTEMPTED TO TURN ACROSS THE FURROWS BEFORE ENCOUNTERING A FENCE ON THE FIELD BOUNDARY. THE AIRPLANE ROLLED AND NOSED OVER TO THE OUTSIDE OF THE TURN. NO DISCREPANCY WAS FOUND ON THE AIRFRAME OR ENGINE ASIDE FROM ACCIDENT DAMAGE. THE OWNER, WHO SAW THE ACCIDENT, STATED THE TAILWHEEL DRAGGED THE LENGTH OF THE GROUND RUN AND HE HEARD FULL POWER FROM COMMENCEMENT OF THE TAKEOFF TO NOSE OVER.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE PILOT'S ATTEMPT TO TAKEOFF WITH A STRONG GUSTY TAILWIND.
Full Narrative
A COMMERCIAL PILOT IN A TAILWHEEL AIRPLANE WITH SKIS ATTEMPTED TAKEOFF FROM A 1200 FOOT LONG CORNFIELD COVERED WITH 8 INCHES OF LOOSE SNOW. THE GROUND RUN WAS PARALLEL TO THE FURROWS WITH WIND AT 14 KNOTS, GUSTING TO 21 KNOTS, DIRECTLY BEHIND THE AIRPLANE. THE PILOT'S STATEMENT INDICATES THE ENGINE LOST POWER 2/3 OF THE WAY DOWN THE FIELD, AND HE ATTEMPTED TO TURN ACROSS THE FURROWS BEFORE ENCOUNTERING A FENCE ON THE FIELD BOUNDARY. THE AIRPLANE ROLLED AND NOSED OVER TO THE OUTSIDE OF THE TURN. NO DISCREPANCY WAS FOUND ON THE AIRFRAME OR ENGINE ASIDE FROM ACCIDENT DAMAGE. THE OWNER, WHO SAW THE ACCIDENT, STATED THE TAILWHEEL DRAGGED THE LENGTH OF THE GROUND RUN AND HE HEARD FULL POWER FROM COMMENCEMENT OF THE TAKEOFF TO NOSE OVER.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:30 CST
Nearest AirportSee Narrative (0nm)
Runway0
Runway Length1200 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper J3C-65
Tail NumberN87867
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorKris G Wells
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-235-C · Reciprocating · 115
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 47 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsIMC
LightDaylight
Wind14 kt, gusting 21 kt
Visibility1 sm
CeilingOvercast 500 ft
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time19:29
Weather SourceWFAC