# NTSB CHI07CA186: Piper J3F-65, N2364K, Grand Ledge, MI, June 25, 2007

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report
- Date: June 25, 2007, 19:00 local (23:00 UTC)
- Place: Grand Ledge, MI
- Coordinates: 42.774166, -84.733329
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=42.7742&lon=-84.7333&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report July 25, 2007
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- Parties: FAA-Grand Rapids FSDO
- NTSB case key (mKey): 66137
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI07CA186
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/66137/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI07CA186

## Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff resulting in a ground loop.

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Loss of control - on ground/water, takeoff
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- Main gear collapsed, takeoff

## Analysis

The tailwheel airplane was substantially damaged when it ground looped during takeoff.  The pilot stated that he "lost control" while attempting to correct a drift to the left during takeoff on runway 27 (3,200 feet by 100 feet, asphalt).  The airplane ground looped and "went up on its nose" before coming to rest.  The left main landing gear collapsed during the accident sequence.  The pilot reported light and variable winds during the accident takeoff.  Winds recorded at Capital City Airport, located about 6 miles east of the accident site, were from 170 degrees at 6 knots.  The pilot reported no failures or malfunctions associated with the airplane prior to the accident.  He noted that he "should have been more alert and reacted quicker to the drift."

## Factual narrative

The airplane was substantially damaged when it ground looped during takeoff.  The pilot stated that he "lost control" while attempting to correct a drift to the left during takeoff on runway 27 (3,200 feet by 100 feet, asphalt).  The airplane ground looped and "went up on its nose" before coming to rest.  The left main landing gear collapsed during the accident sequence.  The pilot reported light and variable winds during the accident takeoff.  Winds recorded at Capital City Airport, located about 6 miles east of the accident site, were from 170 degrees at 6 knots.  The pilot reported no failures or malfunctions associated with the airplane prior to the accident.  He noted that he "should have been more alert and reacted quicker to the drift."

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2364K](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N2364K), registered now, S/N 3108, built 1939 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Piper J3F-65
- Registry model: [Piper J3F-65](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-j3f-65) (registry code 7100536) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Franklin 4AC176B series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/franklin-4ac176b-series) (registry code 27006, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 3108
- Airframe hours: 3383
- Engines: Continental C-85-12F 85 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Premier Flight LLC
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, July 1, 2006
- Departed: 4D0, Grand ledge, MI
- Airport: 4D0, Abrams Municipal, runway 27, 3,200 × 75 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 65; injuries: none; airline transport; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, with waivers/limitations; last flight review June 1, 2007; seat: rear; flight hours: 7,363 total, 87 in this make and model, 7,494 as pilot in command, 16 in the last 90 days, 4 in the last 30 days, 0 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 170° at 6 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 25,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 86 °F, dew point 63 °F
- Altimeter: 30.12 inHg
- Observed at: LAN, 6 nm away

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 20070625014699A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20070625014699A), Jun 25, 2007: Piper J3F65, Grand Ledge, MI, Substantial damage. (-23) Pilot was attempting a take off from a dry, hard surface runway with calm winds. The aircraft stalled at approximately 20 ft AGL and severely damaged the…

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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