Cub pilot crashes into trees

The pilot told investigators that he completed a full preflight inspection of the Piper J-3 Cub with no issues noted, including inspecting all the flight control surfaces.

During the run-up, he checked all the flight controls and he noted they “all checked perfect.”

The pilot was operating at a remote airport near Park Rapids, Minnesota, that was surrounded by pine trees about 90 feet tall on all sides. The takeoff roll from the snow-covered runway was “normal” and about 150 feet AGL, the pilot said the airplane “started turning/pulling left” in a descending turn.

He attempted to correct the turn and descent to no avail. He decided to continue to use engine power until the airplane hit trees. The airplane hit several trees and came to rest nose down. The pilot was able to get out of the airplane without further incident.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, both wings, and the engine mount.

The pilot reported there were no pre-impact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airframe or the engine that would have precluded normal operation. A post-accident examination of the airframe established flight control continuity.

Probable Cause: The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control and terrain clearance during initial climb, that resulted in an impact with trees and terrain.

NTSB Identification: 193640

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This January 2024 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.