Probable cause
The flight instructor's failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll.
NTSB analysis
The flight instructor of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that the purpose of the flight was to demonstrate a short-field takeoff to an observing student.
During the takeoff roll, about rotation speed, the left wing unexpectedly dropped and impacted the ground. Subsequently, the airplane ground looped and sustained substantial damage to both wings and the empennage.
The flight instructor reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA18CA001 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Oct 3, 2017
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Yakima, Washington
- Nearest airport
- Yakima Air Terminal/Mcallister (YKM)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper J3C
- N-number
- N48694
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1943
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Instructional
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.