1993-06-03: Piper J3C-65 — Roberts, John K. — Greensboro, NC

Casualties unknown • Greensboro, NC, US

Probable cause

THE PILOT'S IMPROPER USE OF CARBURETOR HEAT DURING THE FLIGHT. FACTORS WERE THE CARBURETOR ICING CONDITIONS AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT, AND TREES AT THE FORCED LANDING SITE

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

THE PRIVATE PILOT HAD LEVELED OFF AT 2,000 FEET MSL WHEN THE ENGINE GRADUALLY LOST POWER. HE TURNED BACK TOWARD THE AIRPORT, BUT WAS UNABLE TO MAINTAIN ALTITUDE. HE APPLIED CARBURETOR HEAT, AND THE ENGINE RESPONDED; HOWEVER, HE COULD NOT AVOID COLLIDING WITH A TALL TREE. THE AIRPLANE CRASHED INTO THE TOP OF THE TREE, AND THE PILOT EXITED THE AIRPLANE UNHURT. ACCORDING TO CARBURETOR ICING CHARTS, THE WEATHER CONDITIONS WERE CONDUCIVE TO THE FORMATION OF CARBURETOR ICE

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1993-06-03 Piper J3C-65 accident near Greensboro, NC?

THE PRIVATE PILOT HAD LEVELED OFF AT 2,000 FEET MSL WHEN THE ENGINE GRADUALLY LOST POWER. HE TURNED BACK TOWARD THE AIRPORT, BUT WAS UNABLE TO MAINTAIN ALTITUDE. HE APPLIED CARBURETOR HEAT, AND THE ENGINE RESPONDED; HOWEVER, HE COULD NOT AVOID COLLIDING WITH A TALL TREE. THE AIRPLANE CRASHED INTO THE TOP OF THE TREE,…

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1993-06-03 involved a Piper J3C-65, registration N87811, operated by Roberts, John K., at Greensboro, NC.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S IMPROPER USE OF CARBURETOR HEAT DURING THE FLIGHT. FACTORS WERE THE CARBURETOR ICING CONDITIONS AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT, AND TREES AT THE FORCED LANDING SITE

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X12528. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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