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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

September 10, 1995 · Piper J3C-65 · N1474N

Mooresville, NC

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 10, 1995
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Mooresville, NC
Aircraft
Piper J3C-65
Tail Number
N1474N
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ATL95LA167

The pilot reported that engine power decreased smoothly in cruise flight, at a power setting of 2100 RPM. The carburetor heat was applied for about one minute, then removed. He slowed the airplane down and executed an intentional stall into the trees. The weather at the time of the accident was favorable for the formation of carburetor ice, and the pilot said that he did not receive a weather briefing. Later, the pilot stated that he believed that carburetor ice had formed because during the engine teardown there was a lot of moisture in the carburetor.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's improper use of the carburetor heat resulting in the formation of carburetor ice and subsequent loss of engine power.

Full Narrative

On September 10, 1995, about 1030 eastern daylight time, a Piper J3C-65, N1474N, collided with trees during a forced landing near Mooresville, North Carolina. The airplane was operated by the pilot/owner under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91, and visual flight rules. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. A flight plan was not filed for the personal, local flight. There were no injuries to the private pilot nor his passenger, and the airplane was substantially damaged. Origination of the flight was Bradford Field, a private airstrip, near Huntersville, North Carolina, about 45 minutes prior to the accident. The pilot reported that they were in cruise flight, about 1400 feet msl (700-800 agl) when the engine lost power. Engine power decreased smoothly, he reported. Carburetor heat was applied for about one minute, then removed, just before an intentional stall into a pine forest, at very slow speed. Immediately prior to the loss of power, the engine was being operated at 2100 rpm. Local temperature and dew point was 76 and 66 degrees F., respectively.(See attached icing probability curves). The on-scene investigation revealed 1/2 tank of fuel in the main, 5 gallons in the reserve tank, engine oil satisfactory, and throttle linkage intact. The engine examination disclosed heavy soot deposits on the spark plugs, moisture in the carburetor, and the fuel free from containments. The engine operated properly at all power settings during the functional examination. The pilot later stated that he believed carburetor icing had caused the loss of engine power.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:30 EDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper J3C-65
Tail NumberN1474N
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · C-85-12 · Reciprocating · 85
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 53 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind2° @ 5 kt
Visibility6 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point66 F
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time13:50
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data