Well, after building my second plane and flying it about 20 times, I had my first accident.


10 May 2008 2015 local time

Crash Investigation:

The subject J-3 Cub was on final approach to runway 27 at the Cold Lake RC Flying Field. Winds were from 190 degrees at 5kts gusting to 12 kts. conditions were VFR with scattered spectators, which were partially obsuring the threshhold of the runway. Upon touchdown, the aircraft experienced a departure from controlled flight, due to the pilots' loss of visual references associated with the spectator who was located between he and the aircraft. At the time visual contact was lost, a wind gust from the 2 o'clock position caused the aircraft to become airborne again but without sufficient airspeed to maintain stable flight. A high rate of roll due to partial stalling of the L/H wing ensued and the aircraft yawed approximately 50 degrees to the left. Visual contact with the aircraft was re-established at this time and takeoff power was applied momentarily, but due to the continued yaw due to wind gusts, the aircraft (heading directly at the pilot station) was deemed to be in an adverse and unsafe flight profile. Power was reduced to idle and shortly thereafter, the l/h wing of the aircraft dipped and touched the grass. The aircraft proceeded to cartwheel once complete revolution and came to rest on its' wheels a short distance from the pilot station. Flying operations were terminated at this time and savage operations were begun.

Contributing factors:

Plot experience: Relatively new pilot with low flying time on type.


C of G: Flight testing of a new "pilot" (my daughters' rock star Barbie) was being conducted, which may have contributed to a C of G slightly aft of normal. Barbie has since been fired and further flying will be conducted without on board "Blonde Bimbos".

Obscured visual profile: I mistakenly allowed other people to come to the pilot station, without briefing them on the importance of staying out of the line of sight to the aircraft.

Weather conditions: gusting winds contributed to the fast yaw rate of the aircraft, which caused a loss of lift on the l/h wing.

Conclusions: You have to keep flying the aircraft above all else. Distractions MUST be minimized.

Photos of the post event damage and reconstruction will be posted later today.