Pilot Debrief

PIPER J3C-65 near Porter, TX — 2009-07-13

Final reportCEN09CA431
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Date
2009-07-13
Location
Porter, TX, USA
Aircraft
PIPER J3C-65
Registration
N70455
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The partial loss of engine power due to carburetor icing resulting in the pilot's inability to clear the wires.

NTSB narrative

The pilot noticed a significant loss of engine power while maneuvering on a local area flight. The pilot began looking for a suitable place to land and noticed a sandbar along a river. As he approached the river he applied carburetor heat and the engine power began to recover. At this time the airplane was at tree top level along the river when the pilot noticed wires crossing the river. The pilot was unable to reestablish a climb and avoid the wires. The airplane struck the wires and impacted inverted on the sandbar. The pilot and passenger received minor injuries. Weather conditions at the time of the accident were conducive to carburetor icing at cruise and glide power settings with a temperature of 34 degrees Celsius and dew point of 23 degrees Celsius. According to a Federal Aviation Administration inspector on scene, there were no pre-impact anomalies noted.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 1 docket document
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents1

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