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Private Pilot Escapes Unharmed After Carburetor Ice Loss of Power and Tree Strike (N87811)

Greensboro, NC, US

On June 3, 1993, a Piper J3C-65 (registration N87811) operated by Roberts, John K. was involved in an aviation accident near Greensboro, NC. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: 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. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A private pilot experienced gradual engine power loss at 2,000 ft MSL. He applied carburetor heat, which restored power, but could not avoid a tall tree. The airplane crashed into the treetop; the pilot exited unhurt.

Incident Overview

A private pilot was flying a single-engine airplane when the engine gradually lost power after leveling off at 2,000 feet above mean sea level (MSL). The pilot turned back toward the departure airport but was unable to maintain altitude.

Pilot Actions

Recognizing the power loss, the pilot applied carburetor heat. The engine responded to the application, but despite the restored power, the pilot could not avoid a tall tree in the flight path. The airplane collided with the top of the tree and crashed into it.

Outcome

The pilot exited the airplane unhurt. No injuries were reported.

Weather Conditions

According to carburetor icing charts, the weather conditions at the time were conducive to the formation of carburetor ice. The pilot's use of carburetor heat suggests that carburetor icing may have been a factor in the loss of engine power.

Icing

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 3 Jun 1993 Piper J3C-65 accident near Greensboro, NC?

A private pilot experienced gradual engine power loss at 2,000 ft MSL. He applied carburetor heat, which restored power, but could not avoid a tall tree. The airplane crashed into the treetop; the pilot exited unhurt.

Were there any fatalities in the 3 Jun 1993 Piper J3C-65 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 3 Jun 1993 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

More accident analyses

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.