Piper J-3F-65 N33204

Summary

On 26 May 2002 at about 19:30 local time, a Piper J-3F-65 registered N33204 was involved in an accident near Eton, Georgia, United States. 2 people were on board and 2 had minor injuries. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

26 May 2002 at 19:30

Classification

Accident

Location

Eton, Georgia, United States

Nearest airport

Lexas Field

Coordinates

34.8256, -84.7628

Aircraft

Piper J-3F-65

Registration

N33204

Category

Airplane

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Eton → Eton

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

NTSB number

MIA02LA099

2 people had minor injuries.

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during initial climb after takeoff, resulting in collision with a power pole. A factor in the accident was the flight's encounter with a downdraft condition during initial climb.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

The flight was departing a private, grass field within 10 to 15 miles of an approaching thunderstorm. At about 60 feet agl, the Piper J-3 encountered a downdraft that caused the aircraft to lose 30 feet of altitude, necessitating flying under power lines. Directional control was lost, the right wing collided with a power pole, and the aircraft impacted the terrain. FAA examination of the wreckage and maintenance records revealed no engine, airframe, or flight control condition that would have contributed to the loss of control.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.