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June 29, 2001 · Piper J3F-65 · N40782

Findlay, OH

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 29, 2001
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Findlay, OH
Aircraft
Piper J3F-65
Tail Number
N40782
Operator
Hal Durbin
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
NYC01LA156

Shortly after takeoff, the engine lost all power, and the pilot performed a forced landing to a soybean field. Examination of the wreckage revealed that when the magneto switch was in the "BOTH" position, an ohmmeter showed the connection as grounded. Further examination revealed that two ignition switch leads were chafed, and grounded against a screw. The airplane was manufactured in 1941, and the chafing appeared to have occurred over a long period of time.

NTSB Probable Cause

Two chafed ignition switch leads, which resulted in a failure of the ignition system and subsequent total loss of engine power.

Full Narrative

On June 29, 2001, about 1745 eastern daylight time, a Piper J3F-65, N40782, was substantially damaged during a forced landing after takeoff from Priebe Airport (7D5), Findlay, Ohio. The certificated commercial pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the local personal flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. The pilot stated that he was departing on runway 21, and shortly after takeoff, the engine suddenly quit. The airplane descended, struck a utility pole, and came to rest in a soybean field. The pilot further stated that he added 5 gallons of fuel to the airplane prior to takeoff. Examination of the wreckage by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed that both wings were folded downward, and the fuselage was buckled. The inspector found fuel in the fuel tank and carburetor, and it was absent of contamination. The inspector then rotated the propeller by hand, but did not observe a spark from any of the ignition leads. He then disconnected the P-leads, rotated the propeller again, and observed spark. The inspector then connected an ohmmeter to the magneto switch. When the switch was in the "BOTH" position, the ohmmeter showed the connection as grounded. Further examination revealed that two ignition switch leads were chafed, and grounded against a screw. The inspector added that the airplane was manufactured in 1941, and the chafing appeared to have occurred over a long period of time. Additionally, the chafing occurred in an area within the left-side wall of the cockpit, not normally viewed during an annual inspection.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:45 EDT
Nearest AirportPriebe Airport (1nm SSW)
Runway21
Runway Length2110 ft
Runway Width18 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper J3F-65
Tail NumberN40782
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorHal Durbin
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · A-65-8 · Reciprocating · 65
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 20 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind240° @ 10 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point64 F
Altimeter30.02 inHg
Observation Time21:56
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data