The National Transportation Safety Board did not travel to the scene of this accident.
Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Hillsboro, Oregon
Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board:
Twin Oaks Airpark Inc
Location: Woodburn, Oregon
Accident Number: WPR21LA306
Date and Time: August 4, 2021, 17:10 Local
Registration: N6018H
Aircraft: Piper J3C-85
Aircraft Damage: None
Defining Event: Collision during takeoff/land
Injuries: 1 Serious, 2 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal
Analysis
The pilot of the tailwheel equipped airplane reported that, while taking off from a gravel bar, as the airplane became airborne over the river, he felt a bump. The passenger reported that they hit something, however the pilot stated that he never say anyone until he continued the climbed and circled over the area, where he noticed a kayaker on the river. He elected to land on a gravel bar near the kayaker, render first aid, and call for medical assistance.
The kayaker reported that, while on the Willamette River, she and her mother stopped and rested near the Lower Lamber Bar area, where they observed an airplane on one of the sand bars. After resting, they continued traveling down the river. While paddling in the kayak, she turned towards the sand bar and observed the airplane approaching her. Shortly thereafter, the front tire of the airplane hit her head and overturned the kayak. The kayaker sustained a serious broken leg. The airplane was not damaged. The pilot reported that there were no pre-accident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Probable Cause and Findings
The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance during takeoff from a person on the ground who sustained a serious injury as a result of the collision.
Findings
Personnel issues Monitoring environment - Pilot
Environmental issues Person - Effect on operation
Factual Information
History of Flight
Takeoff Collision during takeoff/land (Defining event)
Pilot Information
Certificate: Private
Age: 69, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine land
Seat Occupied: Rear
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: 4-point
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed:
Medical Certification: Class 3 With waivers/limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: August 19, 2015
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: July 19, 2021
Flight Time: (Estimated) 5900 hours (Total, all aircraft), 800 hours (Total, this make and model), 5800 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 12 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 4 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 1.5 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)
Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information
Aircraft Make: Piper
Registration: N6018H
Model/Series: J3C-85
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1946
Amateur Built:
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 19158
Landing Gear Type: Tailwheel
Seats: 2
Date/Type of Last Inspection: July 21, 2021 Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 1220 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection: 3 Hrs
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 5180 Hrs as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer: Continental
ELT: C91A installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: C-85-12F
Registered Owner:
Rated Power: 85 Horsepower
Operator:
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None
Meteorological Information and Flight Plan
Conditions at Accident Site: Visual (VMC)
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KUAO,200 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 11 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 16:53 Local
Direction from Accident Site: 62°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility: 10 miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 10 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None / None
Wind Direction: 30°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 29.86 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 36°C / 12°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Hillsboro, OR (7S3)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: McMinnville, OR
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 16:00 Local
Type of Airspace: Class G
Airport Information
Airport:
Runway Surface Type:
Airport Elevation:
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used:
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width:
VFR Approach/Landing: None
Wreckage and Impact Information
Crew Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Damage: None
Passenger Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: 1 Serious
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Serious, 2 None
Latitude, Longitude: 45.16105,-123.00217
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