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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

September 1, 2018 · Piper PA12 · N3415M

Cochranton, PA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 1, 2018
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (3 uninjured)
Location
Cochranton, PA
Aircraft
Piper PA12 (1947)
Tail Number
N3415M
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA18LA243

The pilot reported that he had been flying for about 30 minutes when the engine lost total power. He flew the airplane toward a clearing for a forced landing, during which the airplane impacted a tree, resulting in substantial damage. Examination of the airplane and engine revealed no anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. Although weather conditions at the accident site were conducive to the formation of carburetor ice at cruise power settings, the pilot provided conflicting statements regarding his use of carburetor heat, and whether carburetor icing played a role in the loss of engine power could not be determined based on the available information.

NTSB Probable Cause

A total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.

Full Narrative

On September 1, 2018, about 1330 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-12, N3415M, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Cochranton, Pennsylvania. The private pilot and two passengers were not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The pilot reported that he was flying for about 30 minutes when the engine lost total power. He attempted to return to the airport, but was unable to maintain altitude. He looked for a clearing to land in, and as he approached an open field, the airplane collided with a tree. The airplane then impacted terrain and came to rest inverted. Examination of the airplane revealed buckling throughout the airframe. Crankshaft continuity was confirmed from the propeller hub to the accessory section of the engine. Thumb compression was obtained on all cylinders, and the magnetos generated spark. In a statement to the Federal Aviation Administration, the pilot stated that he did not use carburetor heat at the time of the event. In the pilot's report to the NTSB, the pilot reported that he did use carburetor heat at the time of the event. Weather conditions at the departure airport, located about 10 miles south of the accident site, included wind from 180° at 3 knots, 10 statute miles visibility, scattered clouds at 3,800 ft above ground level, temperature 27°C, and dew point 21°C. When plotted on a carburetor icing probability chart, the temperature and dew point indicated the potential for carburetor icing at cruise power and serious icing at the glide power settings.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:30 EDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA12
Tail NumberN3415M
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · 41505 /O-235 · Reciprocating · 115
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (3 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured3
Total3
Crew 1Age 35 · First Class · None
Crew 2None
Crew 3None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind180° @ 3 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 11000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point70 F
Altimeter30.20 inHg
Observation Time17:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data