Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control while landing. Contributing was the gusty crosswind condition.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of the Piper J3C-65 had been practicing banner towing operations, and was landing on runway 9L, a 3,241-foot-long, 100-foot-wide,asphalt runway. After a normal touchdown, the tail-wheel airplane yawed into the wind, and veered off the side of the runway. It then struck a sign and sustained damage to the propeller, landing gear and fuselage. The pilot stated he did not experience any mechanical malfunctions with the airplane. He reported 300 hours of total flight experience, which included 25 hours in the same make and model as the accident airplane. Winds reported at the airport, about 30 minutes prior to the accident, were from 160 degrees at 11 knots, gusting to 17 knots.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for NYC08CA094 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jan 29, 2008
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Hollywood, Florida
- Nearest airport
- North Perry (HWO)
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 2
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper J3-C65
- N-number
- N2143M
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Banner tow
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.