Piper J5A — registry & accident history
Compiled from FAA & NTSB records · as of Jul 30, 2026
There are 769 Piper J5A airframes on record (built 1938–1999), 268 currently registered. 12 have one or more NTSB accident records (13 records total, 1 with a fatal highest-injury classification). Data as of Jul 30, 2026.
Recent Piper J5A accidents
The flight instructor’s inadequate supervision of the flight and improper decision to continue with a takeoff after the airplane swerved off the runway. Contributing to the accident was the student pilot’s failure to maintain directional control of the tailwheel-equipped airplane.
The pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane after landing on a grass taxiway with a tailwind, which resulted in a nose over.
The pilot's failure to properly secure the airplane before a hand propeller start, which resulted in the airplane moving forward and colliding with maintenance equipment.
The pilot's unstabilized approach, which resulted in landing long and fast, and his subsequent failure to maintain clearance from trees during a go-around.
The pilot's improper fuel management, which led to fuel exhaustion and a subsequent forced landing on a road too narrow for the airplane.
The pilot's improper landing flare, which resulted in a bounced landing, and a subsequent loss of control followed by a runway excursion.
The pilot's exceedance of the critical angle of attack while maneuvering at low altitude, which resulted in an accelerated aerodynamic stall, spin, and impact with terrain.
A loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined because the aircraft sank after ditching and was not recovered.