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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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NTSB Report

July 4, 1998 · Piper J3C-65 · N42760

Zellwood, FL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 4, 1998
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Zellwood, FL
Aircraft
Piper J3C-65
Tail Number
N42760
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ATL98LA091

According to the pilot, he was conducting touch and go landings at the Bob White Field. Just prior to turning crosswind on the fourth departure, the engine lost power. The pilot applied carburetor heat and full throttle, but the engine continued to lose power until it quit. A forced landing was made in a farm field. The wheels sank into the soft ground, and the airplane nosed over. After the accident, the engine and fuel were tested. The engine started, ran at a low revolutions per minute (RPM), and was able to produce maximum RPM. The magnetos were checked while the engine was operating, with no discrepancies noted. According to the FAA inspector, there was no problem with the operation of the engine during the test run. There was fuel in the airplane, approximately 3/4 of a tank. It was drained and examined, with no water or sediment found.

NTSB Probable Cause

The loss of engine power for undetermined reasons which led to a forced landing and nose over. A factor affecting the severity of the damage was the soft terrain.

Full Narrative

On July 4, 1998, about 1135 eastern daylight time, a Piper J3C-65, N42760, nosed over during a forced landing near Zellwood, Florida. The airplane was operated by the registered owner under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91, and visual flight rules. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. A flight plan was not filed for the local, personal flight. There were no injuries to the private pilot, and the airplane was substantially damaged. Origination of the flight was the Bob White Field Airport, Zellwood, Florida, about 1000 on the same day. According to the pilot, he was conducting touch and go landings at the Bob White Field. Just prior to turning crosswind on the fourth departure, the engine lost power. The pilot applied carburetor heat and full throttle, but the engine continued to lose power until it quit. A forced landing was made in a farm field. The wheels sank into the soft ground, and the airplane nosed over. After the accident, the engine and fuel were tested. The engine started, ran at a low revolutions per minute (RPM), and was able to produce maximum RPM. The magnetos were checked while the engine was operating, with no discrepancies noted. According to the FAA inspector, there was no problem with the operation of the engine during the test run. There was fuel in the airplane, approximately 3/4 of a tank. It was drained and examined, with no water or sediment found. The Carburetor Icing Probability Curve was reviewed, and the conditions were on the outside edge of the visible icing curve.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:35 EDT
Nearest AirportBob White Field (1nm E)
Runway9
Runway Length3300 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper J3C-65
Tail NumberN42760
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · C-85-12 · Reciprocating · 85

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 57 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind5 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time14:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data