Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing, which resulted in a runway excursion and collision with terrain.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that during the landing roll the airplane veered to the right and departed the runway. He stated that he over-corrected for the excursion and the airplane veered back to the left crossing the runway, and impacted a ditch. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and the empennage.
The pilot reported that there were no pre-impact mechanical failures or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA15CA186 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 4, 2015
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Arcadia, Florida
- Nearest airport
- Arcadia Muni (X06)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper J3C
- N-number
- N3274U
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1941
- 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.