Casualties unknown

Engine Power Loss During Touch and Go Landings at Bob White Field (N42760)

Zellwood, FL, US

On July 4, 1998, a Piper J3C-65 (registration N42760) was involved in an aviation accident near Zellwood, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The loss of engine power for undetermined reasons which led to a forced landing and nose over. A factor affecting the severity of the damage was the soft terrain. 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

A pilot conducting touch and go landings experienced an engine power loss on the fourth departure. Despite applying carburetor heat and full throttle, the engine quit. A forced landing in a soft farm field resulted in the airplane nosing over.

Accident Sequence

According to the pilot, he was conducting touch and go landings at Bob White Field. Just prior to turning crosswind on the fourth departure, the engine lost power. The pilot applied carburetor heat and full throttle, but the engine continued to lose power until it quit. A forced landing was made in a farm field. The wheels sank into the soft ground, and the airplane nosed over.

Post-Accident Inspection

After the accident, the engine and fuel were tested. The engine started, ran at a low revolutions per minute (RPM), and was able to produce maximum RPM. The magnetos were checked while the engine was operating, with no discrepancies noted. According to the FAA inspector, there was no problem with the operation of the engine during the test run. There was fuel in the airplane, approximately 3/4 of a tank. It was drained and examined, with no water or sediment found.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X10469. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.