Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during takeoff from a gravel driveway resulting in an impact with a tree.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that he was taking off from a private gravel driveway when the airplane’s right wheel went off the edge of the driveway into a drainage ditch. The airplane subsequently veered to the right, crossed a road, and impacted a small tree. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operations.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN22LA348 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 29, 2022
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Sturgeon Lake, Minnesota
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper J3C-65
- N-number
- N42584
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1945
- 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.