Primary finding
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.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
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.
Source record
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. -