Accident Piper J-3 N26991, Sunday 23 April 1995

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Date:	Sunday 23 April 1995
Time:	11:25 LT
Type:	Piper J-3
Owner/operator:	Private
Registration:	N26991
MSN:	4285
Year of manufacture:	1940
Engine model:	Continental A-65-8A
Fatalities:	Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 2
Other fatalities:	0
Aircraft damage:	Substantial
Category:	Accident
Location:	Elk Creek, WI - United States of America
Phase:	Unknown
Nature:	Private
Departure airport:
Destination airport:
Investigating agency:	NTSB
Confidence Rating:	Accident investigation report completed and information captured

Narrative:
THE PILOT WAS ATTEMPTING TO LAND TO THE NORTH ON A PRIVATE FIELD. THE WINDS WERE REPORTED FROM 160 DEGREES. AFTER DETERMINING THAT THE AIRPLANE'S AIRSPEED WAS TOO EXCESSIVE TO LAND ON THE FIELD, THE NON-CERTIFICATED PILOT DECIDED TO PERFORM A GO AROUND. THE PILOT STATED THE EXCESSIVE AIRSPEED WAS CAUSED BY HIS TRYING TO LAND WITH A TAILWIND. WHILE CLIMBING, THE AIRPLANE'S RIGHT WING IMPACTED TREES WHICH WERE LOCATED ALONG THE FIELD'S EDGE. THE AIRPLANE IMPACTED THE GROUND IN A NEAR VERTICAL ATTITUDE.

Probable Cause: the pilot's failure to maintain clearance with the trees. Factors in the accident include the trees, the tailwind condition, and the pilot's lack of proper certification.

Accident investigation: