Pilot Debrief

PIPER J3C-65 near Seguin, TX — 2013-03-13

Final reportCEN13LA193
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Date
2013-03-13
Location
Seguin, TX, USA
Airport
85TE
Aircraft
PIPER J3C-65
Registration
N88313
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

The partial loss of engine power for reasons that could not be undetermined because an examination of the engine did not reveal any malfunctions or failures that would preclude normal operation.

NTSB narrative

The flight instructor and student pilot planned on departing from a private grass airfield and fly to another airfield, in order to refuel the airplane before practicing landings. The instructor reported that the airplane had 3 gallons of fuel onboard. Shortly after takeoff, when the airplane was about 200 feet in the air, the flight instructor realized engine power was decreasing. The instructor reported that the throttle was already at full power and with obstacles ahead, he elected to turn back to the departure runway. The instructor made a 150-degree turn, but was unable to recover from the turn, and the left wing impacted terrain. The instructor added that the engine may have had carburetor icing, though he did not apply carburetor heat. An automated weather station located about 13 miles west of the accident site, reported, temperature 72 degrees F, and a dew point of 36 degrees F. A review of the carburetor icing probability chart, indicated that the airplane was operating in an area that was associated with a risk of carburetor ice formation, at glide and cruise power. A visual examination of the airplane revealed that the carburetor and gascolator were broken off during the impact, and the fuel tank was empty. No malfunctions or failures were noted that would have precluded normal operation. A reason for the loss of power was not determined.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Instructor did not apply carburetor heat despite risk of icing.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 4 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents4

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