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NTSB Report
March 10, 1990 · Piper J3 · N21677
Palo Alto, CA
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 10, 1990
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Palo Alto, CA
Aircraft
Piper J3
Tail Number
N21677
Operator
West Valley Flying Club
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX90LA114
THE PILOT LANDED ON RUNWAY 30 WITH THE WINDS FROM 230 TO 280 DEGREES AT 8 GUSTING TO 12 KNOTS. THE PILOT STATED HE COULD NOT CONTROL THE AIRCRAFT AND IT DEPARTED THE RUNWAY. ATTEMPTS BY THE PILOT TO REGAIN CONTROL OF THE AIRCRAFT WERE UNSUCCESSFUL. THE PILOT REPORTED NO MECHANICAL MALFUNCTIONS OR PROBLEMS WITH THE AIRCRAFT PRIOR TO ITS COLLISION WITH THE TERRAIN.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL BY NOT COMPENSATING FOR CHANGING WIND CONDITIONS.
Full Narrative
THE PILOT LANDED ON RUNWAY 30 WITH THE WINDS FROM 230 TO 280 DEGREES AT 8 GUSTING TO 12 KNOTS. THE PILOT STATED HE COULD NOT CONTROL THE AIRCRAFT AND IT DEPARTED THE RUNWAY. ATTEMPTS BY THE PILOT TO REGAIN CONTROL OF THE AIRCRAFT WERE UNSUCCESSFUL. THE PILOT REPORTED NO MECHANICAL MALFUNCTIONS OR PROBLEMS WITH THE AIRCRAFT PRIOR TO ITS COLLISION WITH THE TERRAIN.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:56 PST
Nearest AirportPALOALTO (0nm N)
Runway30
Runway Length2500 ft
Runway Width65 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper J3
Tail NumberN21677
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorWest Valley Flying Club
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · A65-8F · Reciprocating · 65
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 30 · First Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindGusting 12 kt
Visibility15 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 2500 ft
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO