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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

October 8, 2003 · Piper J-3 · N71027

Florence, IN

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 8, 2003
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Florence, IN
Aircraft
Piper J-3
Tail Number
N71027
Operator
Douglas D Hatton
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI04LA006

The airplane stalled and impacted the terrain during takeoff from a hay field. The pilot reported that during the takeoff he encountered an area in the field where the terrain was "very rough." He stated that the airplane was "bouncing and shaking" and he wanted to get it off the ground as soon as he could. He reported that he pulled back on the stick and the airplane became airborne, but after passing over hay bales and a fence, he was unable to "keep it in the air." He reported that the right wing dropped and contacted the ground. The airplane then spun to the left and came to rest on top of another fence.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot prematurely lifted off during the takeoff with inadequate airspeed which resulted in the airplane stalling. Factors associated with the accident were there unsuitable/rough terrain that the pilot used for takeoff.

Full Narrative

On October 8, 2003, at 1400 eastern standard time, a Piper J-3, N71027, collided with terrain following a loss of control on takeoff from a hay field in Florence, Indiana. The pilot and passenger were not injured. The airplane was substantially damaged. The 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight was operating in visual meteorological conditions without a flight plan. The flight was originating at the time of the accident with an intended destination of Madison, Indiana, for fuel before continuing on to Bloomington, Indiana. The pilot reported that during the takeoff he encountered an area in the field where the terrain was "very rough." He stated that the airplane was "bouncing and shaking" and he wanted to get it off the ground as soon as he could. He reported that he pulled back on the stick and the airplane became airborne, but after passing over hay bales and a fence, he was unable to "keep it in the air." He reported that the right wing dropped and contacted the ground. The airplane then spun to the left and came to rest on top of another fence.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:00 EDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper J-3
Tail NumberN71027
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorDouglas D Hatton
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 72 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind4 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point54
Altimeter30.17 inHg
Observation Time18:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data