Piper J3C-65 N41317 accident near Princeton, Texas

Probable cause

The student pilot’s decision to attempt a takeoff from an unimproved field which resulted in an impact with an obstacle.

NTSB analysis

The student pilot attempted to depart from a rough grass field. The student pilot reported that the airplane did not climb as expected and during a turn, the airplane struck a pipe protecting a gas meter. He landed the airplane to avoid trees in his flight path. During the precautionary landing, the airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and both wings.

During an interview with the Federal Aviation Administration inspector assigned to the accident the student pilot did not allude to any mechanical issues with the airplane. The student pilot stated further that he did not have enough room for the takeoff. It was estimated that the field length was about 700 feet.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN23LA309 for the full record.