N22394

Substantial
None

PIPER J3C-65S/N: 20043

Accident Details

Date
Saturday, May 15, 2010
NTSB Number
CEN10CA252
Location
Sandwich, IL
Event ID
20100517X13634
Coordinates
41.638332, -88.644447
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
2
Total Aboard
2

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's delay in using carburetor heat resulting in a partial loss of engine power due to carburetor icing.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
PIPER
Serial Number
20043
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Model / ICAO
J3C-65J3
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
2
FAA Model
J3C-65

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
ROBERTS JAMES A JR
Address
825 E SAINT LOUIS ST
City
HAMBURG
State / Zip Code
AR 71646-2767
Country
United States

Analysis

Approximately 15 minutes after takeoff while maneuvering approximately 100 feet above ground level, the engine lost partial power or "bogged down." The pilot applied throttle; however, the engine did not respond. He scanned the engine gauges and no anomalies were noted. The pilot then applied carburetor heat; however, "did not have much time as we were about to land..." The pilot elected to perform a forced landing to a wet/muddy field. During the landing, the airplane impacted the terrain and nosed over. Examination of the engine revealed no evidence of preimpact failure or malfunction. The temperature and dew point at the time of the accident were conducive to serious icing at cruise power. Examination of the airplane revealed the vertical stabilizer and rudder were bent.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CEN10CA252