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NTSB Report

March 2, 2011 · Piper J3C-65 · N23249

Maysvile, NC

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 2, 2011
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (1 serious injury, 1 minor injury)
Location
Maysvile, NC
Aircraft
Piper J3C-65
Tail Number
N23249
Operator
Tommy R Mcfalls
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA11CA174

The pilot-in-command (PIC) of the tailwheel airplane stated that he was flying from his private airstrip, with a friend who was also a pilot. The friend did not have much experience in tailwheel airplanes and had not flown the airplane from the airstrip. The PIC completed two takeoffs and landings uneventfully, and then let his friend perform the third takeoff. During the takeoff roll, as the tailwheel lifted, the airplane yawed to the left. The PIC then took authority of the controls and attempted to correct the yaw. The airplane traveled off the left side of the runway and impacted trees, resulting in substantial damage to the fuselage and left wing. The PIC reported no preimpact mechanical anomalies with the airplane and added that the wind was light and variable at the time. The PIC stated that he should have taken control of the airplane sooner.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot-rated passenger’s loss of directional control during takeoff and the pilot’s delayed remedial action, which resulted in a runway excursion and collision with trees.

Full Narrative

The pilot-in-command (PIC) of the tailwheel airplane stated that he was flying from his private airstrip, with a friend who was also a pilot. The friend did not have much experience in tailwheel airplanes and had not flown the airplane from the airstrip. The PIC was in the front seat and his friend was in the rear seat. The PIC completed two takeoffs and landings uneventfully, and then let his friend perform the third takeoff.. During the takeoff roll, as the tailwheel lifted, the airplane yawed to the left. The PIC then took the controls and attempted to correct the yaw; however, the airplane traveled off the left side of the runway and impacted trees, resulting in substantial damage to the fuselage and left wing. The PIC reported no mechanical anomalies with the airplane and added that the wind was light and variable at the time. The PIC stated that he should have taken control of the airplane sooner.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:30 EST
Nearest AirportPrivate Airstrip (0nm)
Runway09
Runway Length1000 ft
Runway Width80 ft
Flight Plan FiledUnknown
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper J3C-65
Tail NumberN23249
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorTommy R Mcfalls
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsCont Motor · A65 · Reciprocating · 65
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (1 serious injury, 1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 68 · Sprt · Serious
Crew 2Age 62 · Third Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind270° @ 7 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point64 F / 27 C
Altimeter30.19 inHg
Observation Time19:54
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data