Casualties unknown

Engine Power Loss During Air Show Performance Leads to Tree Impact (N92191)

Greenville, KY, US

On August 30, 1987, a Piper J3C-65 (registration N92191) operated by David Lowe was involved in an aviation accident near Greenville, KY. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

An airplane performing a clown act at an air show lost engine power after takeoff during pitching maneuvers. The pilot's throttle pumping failed, and the aircraft struck trees. Investigation found water in the fuel system.

Incident Overview

An airplane participating in a clown act at an air show experienced a loss of engine power shortly after takeoff while the pilot was executing pitching maneuvers. The pilot attempted to restore power by rapidly moving the throttle (pumping), but these efforts were unsuccessful. The aircraft subsequently impacted trees.

Post-Crash Examination

A post-crash examination of the airplane revealed that the gascolator contained approximately 90% water and 10% fuel. In contrast, the carburetor's contents were mostly fuel, with about 1 to 2 teaspoons of water and a small amount of trash present in the drained fuel. The carburetor was not equipped with an accelerator pump. No water was found in the fuel tank. The pilot reported that when fuel was drained from the fuel tank prior to the flight, no water was obtained.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X31723. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.