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NTSB Report

May 21, 2011 · Piper J3C 65 · N55754

Cypress, TX

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 21, 2011
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Location
Cypress, TX
Aircraft
Piper J3C 65
Tail Number
N55754
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN11LA348

According to the pilot, the airplane stopped climbing during the initial climb, and began losing power. The pilot made an off-airport forced landing in a large yard behind a residence. During the landing roll, the airplane struck a fence and several trees, and came to rest upright. No preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures were found that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot did not report using carburetor heat after engine start, during taxi, or during takeoff. According to a carburetor icing probability chart, an airplane operating in the ambient conditions at the time of the accident could expect a serious risk of carburetor icing while at glide power and a risk of icing at cruise power. Engine operations at low power settings during ground operations are similar to that of operations at glide power, making it likely the carburetor built up icing prior to takeoff. The airplane’s engine most likely experienced carburetor icing which resulted in the loss of engine power.

NTSB Probable Cause

Environmental issues-Conditions/weather/phenomena-Temp/humidity/pressure-Conducive to carburetor icing-Contributed to outcome - C

Full Narrative

On May 21, 2011, about 1200 central daylight time, a Piper J3C-65, N55754, was substantially damaged when it impacted terrain at Cypress, Texas. The airplane was owned by a private individual and operated by another private individual. The pilot and pilot rated passenger sustained minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan had been not filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. At the time of the accident the airplane was departing Dry Creek Airport (TS07), Cypress, Texas, for a flight to Sport Flyers Airport (27XS), Brookshire, Texas. According to statements from both occupants the airplane stopped climbing during the initial climb, and began losing power and descending. The pilot made an off-airport forced landing in a large yard behind a residence. During the landing roll-out the airplane struck a fence and several trees, and came to rest upright. There was a significant fuel spill, but no postimpact fire. The impacts partially separated the left wing and damaged the engine, mounts, forward fuselage, empennage, and both wings. An examination of the airplane showed no preimpact anomalies with the engine. The pilot did not report using carburetor heat after engine start, during taxi, or during take-off. According to a carburetor icing probability chart, an airplane operating in the ambient conditions at the time of the accident could expect a serious risk of carburetor icing while at glide power and a risk of icing at cruise power.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:00 CDT
Nearest AirportDry Creek Airport (1nm)
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper J3C 65
Tail NumberN55754
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · A-75-8 · Reciprocating · 75
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor2
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 55 · Second Class · Minor
Crew 2Age 64 · Third Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind160° @ 7 kt
Visibility9 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 4400 ft
Temperature / Dew Point70 F
Altimeter29.89 inHg
Observation Time16:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data