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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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NTSB Report

May 22, 2019 · Piper J3C 65 · N30683

Louisa, VA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 22, 2019
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Louisa, VA
Aircraft
Piper J3C 65 (1940)
Tail Number
N30683
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA19CA276

The pilot reported that, during landing and while decelerating, the airplane veered left. He applied full right rudder, but there was "little to no change in the yaw" with the control stick full aft. He added that the tailwheel had "unlocked" when it contacted the runway because the airplane yawed left. He added engine power to increase airflow for better rudder effectiveness, and the airplane began to straighten out, but it then exited the runway to the left, and the right main landing gear collapsed. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right-wing lift strut. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing, which resulted in a runway excursion and the landing gear collapsing.

Full Narrative

The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that during landing, while decelerating, the airplane veered left. He applied full right rudder, but there was "little to no change in the yaw" with the control stick full aft. The tailwheel had "unlocked" when it contacted the runway since the airplane was yawed to the left. He added engine power to increase airflow for better rudder effectiveness and the airplane began to straighten out, but the airplane exited the runway to the left and the right main landing gear collapsed. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing lift strut. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The airport's automated weather observation station reported that, about 5 minutes before the accident, the wind was calm. The pilot landed the airplane on runway 04.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:00 EDT
Nearest AirportLouisa County/Freeman Field (0nm E)
Runway27
Runway Length4300 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper J3C 65
Tail NumberN30683
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
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 31 · First Class · None
Crew 2Age 31 · First Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point50
Altimeter30.27 inHg
Observation Time20:55
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data