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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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June 28, 2021 · Piper J3C-65 · N98109

Sterling, AK

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 28, 2021
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Sterling, AK
Aircraft
Piper J3C-65 (1946)
Tail Number
N98109
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ANC21LA047

The pilot reported that, while en route, the engine lost partial power, and he was unable to restore full power. During the subsequent off-airport landing, the airplane nosed over and came to rest inverted, resulting in substantial damage to the empennage and right wing. A postaccident examination revealed no mechanical failures or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation. According to the carburetor icing-probability chart located in the Federal Aviation Administration Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin CE-09-35, the accident flight would likely have been operating in conditions conducive to “serious icing in cruise power”; however, the pilot reported that he applied carburetor heat following the loss of power. The reason for the loss of power could not be determined based on the available information.

NTSB Probable Cause

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

Full Narrative

On June 28, 2021, about 1530 Alaska daylight time, a Piper J3C-65 airplane, N98109, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Sterling, Alaska. The pilot and one passenger were not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. According to the pilot, he fueled the airplane to capacity 2 days before the accident but had not flown the airplane since. On the day of the accident, he drained “minimal” water from the right-wing fuel tank during his preflight inspection. He added 1 quart of oil to the engine, for a total of 7 quarts. He noted that all the before takeoff checks were normal. While en route, the airplane reached an altitude of about 2,900 ft mean sea level as the pilot planned to cross an ocean channel. The pilot reported that the engine began to “cough, sputter and make popping noises with a loss of power.” He began troubleshooting, including turning the carburetor heat control to ON, and looking for landing sites. He stated that during the descent, the engine would make intermittent power but only for brief periods of time. The pilot notified air traffic control of the emergency and maneuvered the airplane for landing to an area of tundra. During the landing the airplane nosed over and came to rest inverted. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the empennage and right wing. The airframe and engine were examined, and no mechanical failures or malfunctions were observed. The nearest weather observation station, located about 25 miles away, reported a temperature of 59°F and dew point of 46.4°F about the time of the accident. According to the carburetor icing probability chart located in the Federal Aviation Administration Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin CE-09-35, the accident flight would likely have been operating in conditions conducive to “serious icing in cruise power.”

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:30 AKDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledVFR
Flight Plan ActivatedYes
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper J3C-65
Tail NumberN98109
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-290-D2 · Reciprocating · 135
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 48 · First Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind270° @ 8 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point59 F / 46 F
Altimeter30.09 inHg
Observation Time15:56
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data