Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain proper wind correction input during taxi in a gusting tailwind, which resulted in a nose over.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, while taxiing for takeoff, a tailwind gust lifted the tail and the airplane nosed over.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing, right wing lift strut, and the rudder.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
The pilot reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was light and variable, gusting to 15 knots. The pilot was back taxiing to the south.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA19CA539 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Sep 4, 2019
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Winfield, Alabama
- Nearest airport
- Bird Nest (AL54)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper J3C
- N-number
- N7326H
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1946
- 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.