N98416 Aviation Accident 2025-05-04
Fatal Accident (1) - Private Piper J3C-65 Cub, N98416, E of Wilson, KS, May 04, 2025.
Interactive Map
Accident Information
| Approx. Accident Location | Aircraft Fat. | Aircraft Inj. | Ground Fat. | Ground Inj. | ASN Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 38°49'47.41"N, 98°25'33.00"W | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Aviation Safety Network |
Aircraft Information
| Type | Operator | Registration | Serial Number | Manufacture Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Piper J3C-65 Cub | Private | N98416 | 18604 | 1946 |
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YouTube Accident Related Video(s)
ASX Accident Report
On May 4, 2025, a fatal accident occurred in Ellsworth County, Kansas, involving a privately owned 1946 Piper J3C-65 Cub, registration N98416. The sole occupant and pilot of the aircraft was 77-year-old Ronnie D. Thompson of Goddard, Kansas. Thompson departed from Lucas Airport (38K) in Russell County and was en route to Eck Field (SN64) near Wichita. The flight was conducted under Part 91 of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Code of Federal Regulations with no reported flight plan filed.
At approximately 1:30 p.m. local time, while en route and flying over rural terrain east of Wilson, Kansas, the aircraft crashed near the intersection of 4th Road and Avenue D, about 3.5 kilometers from the city center. Witnesses reported that the aircraft went down without any visible signs of distress or external cause. Upon arrival, authorities found the aircraft inverted, indicating a possible loss of control during flight or an aerodynamic stall close to the ground. No fire or post-crash combustion was reported.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP) launched a joint investigation into the accident. The aircraft sustained substantial damage, and Thompson was pronounced dead at the scene. Preliminary findings from first responders indicated no other occupants or external factors such as weather, collision, or mechanical failure were immediately evident. The phase of flight at the time of the crash was en route, suggesting the aircraft had reached cruising altitude or was descending when the event occurred.
As of this writing, the exact cause of the crash remains under investigation. Investigators will review flight control continuity, engine performance, airframe integrity, and any medical or physiological factors related to the pilot. Maintenance records and pilot certification status will also be evaluated. The age of the aircraft and its vintage design, which lacks modern avionics or crashworthiness features, may contribute to the scope of investigation. Until the NTSB concludes its findings, the reason for the aircraft’s loss of control remains undetermined.
This page will be updated as more information becomes available.
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Sources and References
