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NTSB Report
April 20, 2010 · Piper J3C-65 · N87792
White Bear Lake, MN
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 20, 2010
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
White Bear Lake, MN
Aircraft
Piper J3C-65
Tail Number
N87792
Operator
Robert Pike
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN10CA211
The pilot reported that he conducted a normal preflight, run-up, and takeoff. The engine stopped during the takeoff climb, about 150–200 feet above ground level. The pilot restarted the engine 3–4 times, but the engine was producing less power each time. The engine stopped and the pilot executed a forced landing to a field with trees in it. The airplane sustained substantial damage on impact with trees and terrain. Postaccident inspection of the airplane’s fuel system revealed that the fuel line between the fuel sump (strainer) and the carburetor was full of water. The inspection of the airplane revealed no other anomalies.
NTSB Probable Cause
A total loss of engine power during takeoff due to fuel contamination as a result of the pilot's inadequate preflight inspection.
Full Narrative
The pilot reported that he conducted a normal preflight, run-up, and takeoff. The engine stopped during the takeoff climb about 150 – 200 feet above ground level (agl). The pilot restarted the engine 3 – 4 times, but the engine was producing less power each time. With the engine stopped, the pilot executed a forced landing to a field with trees in it. The airplane sustained substantial damage on impact with trees and terrain. The inspection of the airplane’s fuel system revealed that the fuel line between the fuel sump (strainer) and the carburetor was full of water. The inspection of the airplane revealed no other anomalies.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:01 CDT
Nearest AirportBenson Airport (0nm)
Runway30
Runway Length2200 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper J3C-65
Tail NumberN87792
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorRobert Pike
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · C85F · Reciprocating · 75
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 76 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter0