On December 27, 1986, a Piper J3C-65 (registration N37926) was involved in an aviation accident near Harrison Twp., WI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during cruise flight, which resulted in **carburetor ice** accumulation and subsequent engine power loss. The aircraft collided with trees due to insufficient altitude for an emergency landing. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During cruise flight, the pilot attempted to add power and carburetor heat with no response. The aircraft collided with trees after insufficient altitude for an emergency landing.
What happened
While the aircraft was in cruise flight, the pilot experienced a sudden loss of engine power. In an attempt to restore performance, the pilot applied additional throttle and engaged the carburetor heat control. These actions produced no immediate response from the engine. Recognizing the critical nature of the situation, the pilot attempted to execute an emergency landing in a nearby field. However, the aircraft did not have sufficient altitude or airspeed to complete the maneuver safely. The aircraft subsequently collided with trees during this attempt.
Findings
The pilot reported that carburetor ice was the cause of the engine failure. This indicates that ice accumulation within the carburetor restricted airflow and fuel mixture, leading to a loss of power. The inability to recover power despite the application of carburetor heat suggests the severity of the ice blockage or the timing of its formation relative to the flight phase.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during cruise flight, which resulted in **carburetor ice** accumulation and subsequent engine power loss. The aircraft collided with trees due to insufficient altitude for an emergency landing.