N7054H

Substantial
None

Piper J3C-65S/N: 20299

Accident Details

Date
Wednesday, December 6, 2006
NTSB Number
DFW07CA035
Location
Humnoke, AR
Event ID
20070118X00065
Coordinates
34.520832, -91.736114
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
1
Total Aboard
1

Probable Cause and Findings

The loss of engine power during initial takeoff climb for undetermined reasons. A factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
PIPER
Serial Number
20299
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1946
Model / ICAO
J3C-65J3
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
2
FAA Model
J3C-65

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
BROWN MICKEY L
Address
18633 AR HWY 13-S
City
HUMNOKE
State / Zip Code
AR 72072
Country
United States

Analysis

The non-certificated pilot reported that he departed his private airstrip to the north to "ride over his farm." He added that he noticed that the engine was "running strange as if it had water in the fuel." During the initial takeoff climb, the engine lost power while climbing through 300 feet. The best suitable forced landing was a cultivated rice field, so the pilot attempted to land the tailwheel equipped airplane in the field. During the landing roll on the soft terrain, the airplane nosed over and came to rest in the inverted position. The pilot was assisted out of the airplane by his grandson, who witnessed the mishap. Examination of the airplane revealed that the airplane sustained structural damage. The reason for the reported loss of engine power could not be determined. Weather was reported as clear skies with light and variable winds.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# DFW07CA035