Pilot Debrief

PIPER J3C-65 near Ganesvoort, NY — 2008-06-23

Final reportNYC08LA226
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Date
2008-06-23
Location
Ganesvoort, NY, USA
Airport
NK17
Aircraft
PIPER J3C-65
Registration
N4084J
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

A loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.

NTSB narrative

The pilot advanced the throttle to the full-open position and lifted off at 45 miles per hour. The airplane then entered a shallow angle of climb at 60 to 65 knots, to between 80 and 100 feet above ground level, when the engine suddenly stopped producing power. The pilot lowered the nose, entered a 90-degree turn to the right, and struck the right wing tip on the ground as he leveled the wings for landing. Examination of the airplane revealed no preimpact mechanical deficiencies that would have contributed to the loss of engine power. Even though environmental conditions were not conducive for carburetor ice during takeoff, given that the airplane was operated on automotive gasoline that may have contained ethanol, carburetor icing could not be ruled out.

NTSB coding

View NTSB final report

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