Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate control of the airplane and ensure clearance from trees.
NTSB analysis
The pilot stated that during the initial climb, the airplane lost lift and began to descend due to turbulence. The pilot turned back to the runway to land, but the airplane subsequently impacted trees, which resulted in substantial damage to the wing spars and fuselage. A postaccident examination did not reveal any mechanical failures or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA12CA281 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Apr 13, 2012
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Plantation Key, Florida
- Nearest airport
- Tavernaero Park Airport (FA81)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper J3C-65
- N-number
- N75487
- 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.