Piper J3C-50 N23161

Summary

On 26 June 2023 at about 17:00 local time, a Piper J3C-50 registered N23161 was involved in an accident near Elbert, Colorado, United States. One person was on board and one 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 June 2023 at 17:00

Classification

Accident

Location

Elbert, Colorado, United States

Nearest airport

Kelly Air Park (CO15)

Coordinates

39.2242, -104.6401

Aircraft

Piper J3C-50

Registration

N23161

Category

Airplane

Year built

1939

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Parker → Unknown

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

CEN23LA277

1 person had minor injuries.

The pilot's loss of directional control during takeoff and subsequent excessive use of brakes which resulted in a nose-over. Contributing to the accident was his decision to takeoff downwind.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that, as the tail lifted during takeoff, the airplane veered left. He attempted to correct with full right rudder and full brakes. However, the airplane subsequently nosed over resulting in substantial damage to the fuselage, lift struts, rudder, and vertical stabilizer. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or anomalies with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. At about the time of the accident, wind was from 180° at 5 knots. The pilot decided to depart on runway 35 due to the prevailing airport traffic. He stated that departing with “more favorable wind conditions” may have prevented the accident.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.