Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane while landing in gusting winds.
NTSB analysis
The private pilot and her husband, who was also a private pilot, were attempting to land their single-engine airplane at a private grass strip in gusting wind conditions. The husband, who was flying the airplane, made an approach to runway 18, but elected to go around. While climbing out, a gust of wind caught the right wing and tipped the airplane up. The pilot was unable to maintain altitude and the right wing struck an embankment and the landing gear broke off. Both pilots reported that there were no premishap mechanical deficiencies. The wind at the time of the accident was reported to be out of the south at 17 knots, gusting to 25 knots.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN10CA263 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 27, 2010
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Parker, Colorado
- Nearest airport
- Everitt Airport (1C08)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper J-3
- N-number
- N8688
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.