As The Tailwheel Touched Down, The Airplane Veered To The Right

Location: Garberville, CA Accident Number: WPR22LA008
Date & Time: October 4, 2021, 12:00 Local Registration: N3453K
Aircraft: Piper J3C-65 Injuries: 2 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

On October 4, 2021, about 1200 Pacific daylight time, a Piper J3C-65, N3453K, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Garberville, California. The pilot and passenger were not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

The pilot of the tailwheel equipped airplane reported that, as the tailwheel touched down, the airplane veered to the right. He applied power to abort the landing; however, the airplane did not have enough airspeed, exited the right side of the runway and impacted an unoccupied parked airplane.

Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed that the right wing and both wing lift struts were substantially damaged. The examination also showed that the airplane’s tailwheel would only rotate in one direction.

The wreckage was recovered for further examination.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov