Probable cause
Failure of the pilot to maintain a safe clearance from the terrain while manuevering for the landing surface.
NTSB analysis
While maneuvering to final approach for a landing the pilot allowed the left wing of the airplane to contact the ground and subsequently collided with terrain. The airplane was substantially damaged. The pilot was wearing a shoulder restraint and lap belt and was not injured. The pilot reported that the collision was due to pilot error by allowing the airplane to get too low while maneuvering to land. Additionally the pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions prior to the accident.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for DFW08CA069 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Feb 10, 2008
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Shallowater, Texas
- Nearest airport
- Biggin Hill Airport (TA67)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Dusk
Piper J3C-65
- N-number
- N26868
- 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.