Incident Overview
A pilot was engaged in practice takeoffs and landings in a recently acquired J3 aircraft at a private airstrip. During one of the maneuvers, the engine sputtered and subsequently ceased operation. The pilot lost control of the aircraft, which then collided with a T-shaped hangar before impacting the ground. The aircraft caught fire and was completely destroyed, and the hangar sustained damage as a result of the collision.
Witness Observations
A witness who observed earlier portions of the flight reported that the pilot was making an approach in one direction and a takeoff in the opposite direction. This pattern suggested the pilot was conducting touch-and-go landings.
Weather Conditions
The prevailing weather conditions were conducive to the formation of carburetor ice, particularly during the low-power phases of each flight. Such conditions can affect engine performance.
Pilot Information
The pilot's total flight time was not reported or available at the time of the investigation.