Piper PA-12 N3813M

Summary

On 17 April 2000 at about 16:20 local time, a Piper PA-12 registered N3813M was involved in an accident near Norfolk, Massachusetts, United States. One person was on board and one died. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

17 April 2000 at 16:20

Classification

Accident

Location

Norfolk, Massachusetts, United States

Nearest airport

Norfolk Municipal (32M)

Coordinates

Not recorded

Aircraft

Piper PA-12

Registration

N3813M

Category

Airplane

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Unknown

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

IAD00FA038

1 person died.

The loss of power for undetermined reasons, which resulted in an inadvertent stall during at banner pick-up.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

The pilot was making a second attempt to pick up a banner, and approached the two banner poles and catch rope at a low altitude. Prior to flying between the poles, the engine sounds were heard to increase. When the airplane flew over the catch rope, another increase in engine sounds was heard, and the airplane flew upwards. After the last increase in engine sounds, the engine sounds decreased, followed by two surges of the engine. The airplane descended to the ground in an approximate 45 degree nose down attitude and struck the ground. Prior to contacting the ground, one last surge of the engine was heard. The fuel tanks contained fuel which was absent of debris, and no obstructions were found in the fuel system. Examination of the wreckage revealed the altimeter, tachometer, and vertical speed indicators were not connected to their respective hose and cables. The knurled fitting that attached the tachometer cable to the tachometer was found unscrewed, and the threads were undamaged. Examination of the engine revealed there were no mechanical deficiencies. The carburetor heat handle was found in the off position, and an icing probability chart indicated the conditions were conducive for serious icing in cruise flight.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.