Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll with a quartering headwind.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that, while practicing touch-and-go landings, the tailwheel-equipped airplane touched down and immediately veered right. The pilot attempted to correct with opposite rudder and brake; however, the airplane exited the right side of the runway. During the excursion the airplane collided with an airport sign, and the right wing struck the ground, which resulted in substantial damage to the right wing and its lift strut.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
At the time of the accident, the pilot was landing the airplane on runway 18 with wind from 210° at 12 knots.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN24LA041 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Nov 17, 2023
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Buffalo, Minnesota
- Nearest airport
- Buffalo Muni (CFE)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper J3C
- N-number
- N30494
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1940
- 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.