On August 3, 1987, a Piper J3 (registration N6562H) operated by Raymond A. Debevec was involved in an aviation accident near Vermillion Lake, MN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The loss of engine power due to weak coils and condensers on both magnetos, which occurred while the pilot was attempting to return to land after the initial failure. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An aircraft lost power and crashed into a lake during an attempted return to land, with mechanics finding weak magnetos that prevented sustained flight.
What happened
The pilot was attempting to return to land after experiencing a loss of engine power. During this maneuver, the right wing tip struck the surface of the water. The impact caused the aircraft to flip upside down and settle into the lake.
The investigation
A mechanic inspected the aircraft following the accident to determine the mechanical condition of the engine. The inspection revealed that the coils and condensers on both magnetos were very weak. This condition prevented the engine from producing sufficient power to sustain flight.
Probable cause
The loss of engine power due to weak coils and condensers on both magnetos, which occurred while the pilot was attempting to return to land after the initial failure.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 3 Aug 1987 Piper J3 accident near Vermillion Lake, MN?
An aircraft lost power and crashed into a lake during an attempted return to land, with mechanics finding weak magnetos that prevented sustained flight.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 3 Aug 1987 involved a Piper J3, registration N6562H, operated by Raymond A. Debevec, at Vermillion Lake, MN.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The loss of engine power due to weak coils and condensers on both magnetos, which occurred while the pilot was attempting to return to land after the initial failure.
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