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NTSB Report

July 7, 2004 · Piper PA-12 · N2489M

Jaffrey, NH

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 7, 2004
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury)
Location
Jaffrey, NH
Aircraft
Piper PA-12
Tail Number
N2489M
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
NYC04LA160

During the initial climb after takeoff, the pilot observed that the airplane was not climbing, and the rpm gauge needle was dropping. Realizing there was not a suitable area ahead to land, the pilot elected to return to the runway. During the turn back to the runway, the airplane descended into trees. Witnesses observed the airplane arrived at the airport about 20 minutes prior to the accident. Examination of the engine and fuel system did not reveal any abnormalities. The temperature and dew point recorded at the airport, about the time of the accident were 80 and 52 degrees respectively. A review of a FAA carburetor icing probability chart placed the reported temperature and dew point in the "serious at glide power" area of the chart.

NTSB Probable Cause

The loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.

Full Narrative

On July 7, 2004, at 1718 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-12, N2489M, was substantially damaged after departing from the Jaffery Airport (AFN), Jaffery, New Hampshire. The certificated private pilot was seriously injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the personal flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. According to the pilot, upon arriving at Jaffery, he topped-off the wing tanks with approximately 13 gallons of aviation fuel. The pilot then started the airplane and taxied to runway 16 for departure. The takeoff "seemed normal," until the airplane felt like it was not climbing. The pilot observed that the rpm gauge needle was dropping, and checked the carburetor heat and mixture controls. Realizing there was not a suitable area ahead to land, the pilot elected to return to the runway. During the turn back to the runway, the airplane descended into trees. Witnesses observed the airplane arrive at the airport at 1655, and requested a top-off. After refueling the airplane, a witness observed the airplane depart from runway 16, and climb to 100 feet above the ground. The airplane then banked to the left, and descended into trees near the end of the runway. Examination of the engine and fuel system by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector did not reveal any abnormalities. Fuel samples from the airport were examined and absent of debris. The temperature and dew point recorded at the airport, about the time of the accident were 80 and 52 degrees respectively. A review of a FAA carburetor icing probability chart placed the reported temperature and dew point in the "serious at glide power" area of the chart.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:18 EDT
Nearest AirportJaffery Airport (0nm SSE)
Runway16
Runway Length2982 ft
Runway Width134 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-12
Tail NumberN2489M
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-253-C-1 · Reciprocating · 115
Seats3

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 56 · Third Class · Serious

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind190° @ 7 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point52
Altimeter29.86 inHg
Observation Time21:52
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data