Piper J3C-65 N38341

Summary

On 29 June 2005 at about 19:32 local time, a Piper J3C-65 registered N38341 was involved in an accident near Mocksville, North Carolina, United States. 2 people were on board and 2 had minor injuries. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

29 June 2005 at 19:32

Classification

Accident

Location

Mocksville, North Carolina, United States

Nearest airport

Twin Lakes (8A7)

Coordinates

35.9089, -80.4539

Aircraft

Piper J3C-65

Registration

N38341

Category

Airplane

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Mocksville → Mocksville

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

ATL05LA117

2 people had minor injuries.

The loss of engine power due to fuel system contamination. A factor was trees.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

The pilot reported a loss of engine power while making a left crosswind turn at 400 feet. The pilot elected to make an off airport landing. While maneuvering on the approach to land, the airplane collided with trees and subsequently the ground. Maintenance personnel observed that when the throttle was positioned at idle, the RPM fluctuated between 500 and 1300, and the engine oil pressure was constant at 40 pounds of pressure. The carburetor was disassembled and revealed "small particles of dirt or paint chips" located in the carburetor and gascolator. Some particles appeared large enough to block fuel flow to the engine if injected or in a position to enter the fuel jet nozzle. Post-accident examination of the engine included a field test run of the engine.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.