# NTSB CHI95LA133: Piper J-3, N26991, Elk Creek, WI, April 23, 1995

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: April 23, 1995, 11:25 local (16:25 UTC)
- Place: Elk Creek, WI
- Coordinates: 44.359104, -91.410598 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=44.3591&lon=-91.4106&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor, 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report September 24, 1995
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 9874
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI95LA133
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/9874/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI95LA133

## Probable cause

the pilot's failure to maintain clearance with the trees.  Factors in the accident include the trees, the tailwind condition, and the pilot's lack of proper certification.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with terrain/water, go-around (vfr)
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)
  - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - weather condition - tailwind (contributing factor)
  - lack of certification, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE PILOT WAS ATTEMPTING TO LAND TO THE NORTH ON A PRIVATE FIELD.  THE WINDS WERE REPORTED FROM 160 DEGREES.  AFTER DETERMINING THAT THE AIRPLANE'S AIRSPEED WAS TOO EXCESSIVE TO LAND ON THE FIELD, THE NON-CERTIFICATED PILOT DECIDED TO PERFORM A GO AROUND.  THE PILOT STATED THE EXCESSIVE AIRSPEED WAS CAUSED BY HIS TRYING TO LAND WITH A TAILWIND.  WHILE CLIMBING, THE AIRPLANE'S RIGHT WING IMPACTED TREES WHICH WERE LOCATED ALONG THE FIELD'S EDGE.  THE AIRPLANE IMPACTED THE GROUND IN A NEAR VERTICAL ATTITUDE.

## Factual narrative

On April 23, 1995, at 1125 central daylight time, a Piper J-3 Cub, N26991, sustained substantial damage when it impacted trees while the pilot was performing a go around from a field in Elk Creek, Wisconsin.  The non-certificated pilot reported no injuries, the passenger reported minor injuries.  The local 14 CFR Part 91 pleasure flight operated without flight plan in visual meteorological conditions.

The pilot was attempting to land to the north on a private field.  The winds were reported from 160 degrees.  After determining that his airplane's airspeed was too excessive to land, the pilot stated he decided to perform a go around.  The pilot stated the excessive airspeed was caused by his trying to land with a tailwind.  While climbing, the airplane's right wing impacted trees which were located along the field's edge.  The airplane impacted the ground in a near vertical attitude.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N26991](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N26991), registered now, S/N 4285, built 1940 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER J-3
- Registry model: [Piper J3C-75](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-j3c-75) (registry code 7100527) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental A&C75 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-a-c75-series) (registry code 17005, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 4285
- Engines: CONTINENTAL A-65-8A 65 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Douglas J. Ward
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, June 8, 1994
- Departed: NONE
- Airport: NONE, Private Field, runway 36

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 71; medical: unknown; seat: rear; flight hours: 459 total, 459 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 160° at 6 knots, gusting 12
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 50 °F

## 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 19950423013159A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19950423013159A), Apr 23, 1995: Piper J3C65, Elk Creek, WI, Substantial damage. Trying to land in quartering tailwind. Made belated go around. Wing struck trees off edge runway. Vertical impact. (-23) the "pilot" landed in a short field,…

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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