What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1983-04-09 involved a Piper J3C-85, registration N26182, at Spencer, MA.

Engine Failure During Takeoff After High-Rate Climb Starves Fuel Supply (N26182)

On April 9, 1983, a Piper J3C-85 (registration N26182) was involved in an aviation accident near Spencer, MA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's rate of climb unported the fuel outlets and starved the engine of fuel. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

A pilot, preparing for an annual inspection, decided to fly instead of running the engine on the ground. During takeoff, a high rate of climb caused fuel starvation, leading to engine failure at 150 feet. The aircraft had only 15-20 minutes of fuel.

Incident Overview

A pilot was warming the engine for a compression check and oil change in preparation for an annual inspection. Instead of running the engine on the ground, the pilot decided to fly the aircraft. During takeoff, a high rate of climb was obtained. At 150 feet above mean sea level (MSL), the engine quit.

Maneuver and Outcome

The pilot attempted a 180-degree turn but was unable to clear trees short of the airport. The aircraft contained only 15-20 minutes of fuel at the time of the incident.

Fuel Starvation Mechanism

The pilot's rate of climb unported the fuel outlets, starving the engine of fuel. According to the pilot, the rate of climb forced the fuel to the rear of the fuel tank, away from the outlet pipe, resulting in fuel starvation.

Probable cause

The pilot's rate of climb unported the fuel outlets and starved the engine of fuel.

1983-04-09: Piper J3C-85 (N26182) — Spencer, MA