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NTSB Report
September 29, 2009 · Piper J3C-65 · N3260N
Spearfish, SD
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 29, 2009
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Spearfish, SD
Aircraft
Piper J3C-65
Tail Number
N3260N
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN09CA608
The pilot was practicing landings in a tailwheel-equipped airplane when the accident occurred. He reported that after his third landing he advanced engine power for another takeoff, but lost directional control and the airplane ground looped. The aft fuselage and right elevator were substantially damaged during the ground loop. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation of the airplane.
NTSB Probable Cause
Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Directional control-Not attained/maintained - C
Full Narrative
The pilot was practicing wheel landings in a tailwheel-equipped airplane when the accident occurred. He reported that after his third landing he advanced engine power for another takeoff, but he lost directional control and the airplane subsequently ground looped. The aft fuselage and right elevator were substantially damaged during the ground loop. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation of the airplane.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:00 MDT
Nearest AirportBlack Hills Airport (0nm)
Runway04
Runway Length2023 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper J3C-65
Tail NumberN3260N
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsTeledyne Continental · C85-8F · Reciprocating · 85
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 78 · Third Class · None
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind45° @ 6 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point45 C
Altimeter29.76 inHg
Observation Time20:55
Weather SourceWFAC