Piper J3C N98278

Summary

On 2 September 2019 at about 16:40 local time, a Piper J3C registered N98278, operated by Private Individal, was involved in an accident near Independence Charter Township, Michigan, United States. 2 people were on board and 2 were seriously injured. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

2 September 2019 at 16:40

Classification

Accident

Location

Independence Charter Township, Michigan, United States

Coordinates

42.7568, -83.3512

Aircraft

Piper J3C

Registration

N98278

Category

Airplane

Year built

1946

Engines

1

Operator

Private Individal

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

CEN19LA297

2 people were seriously injured.

The reduction in climb performance for reasons that could not be determined. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane after the loss of performance.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

The pilot of the float-equipped airplane had performed several takeoffs and landings before the accident takeoff. During the accident takeoff, he perceived a reduced climb performance that was exacerbated by turbulence. He maneuvered the airplane to avoid power lines, the airplane entered an aerodynamic stall, and impacted terrain. A postimpact fire ensued. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the empennage, fuselage, and both wings. The pilot stated that the floats were pumped before the flight, and that the engine did not show any indications of a malfunction. An examination of the wreckage did not reveal any anomalies. The airplane was operated near maximum gross weight, assuming no more than 8 gallons of fuel were onboard, and no water was in the floats. Although atmospheric conditions were conducive to the development of carburetor icing at glide power settings, whether carburetor icing contributed to the accident could not be determined. The reason for the reduced climb performance could not be determined.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.