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Forced Landing After Engine Power Loss During Go-Around (N78521)

Clarksburg, WV, US

On April 29, 2001, a Piper J3-C65 (registration N78521) was involved in an aviation accident near Clarksburg, WV. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to perform fuel consumption calculations and incorrect positioning of the fuel tank selector, which resulted in fuel starvation of the engine. 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 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot aborted a landing and initiated a go-around, during which the engine lost power. The aircraft made a forced landing in a field and was substantially damaged. Fuel was found in both tanks, and no mechanical deficiencies were identified.

Preflight and Departure Details Before departure, the pilot conducted a preflight inspection and noted that the aircraft was full of fuel, with a total of about 12 gallons. The pilot then departed with the fuel selector set to the right tank and flew for approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes. During the flight, the pilot observed the right fuel gauge reading one-quarter tank and switched to the left fuel tank, continuing the flight. About an hour later, the pilot noticed the left fuel gauge also reading one-quarter tank and prepared for a landing. The pilot then aborted the landing and initiated a go-around. During the go-around, the pilot turned to the right and the engine lost power. The pilot performed a forced landing in a field, and the aircraft was substantially damaged. ## Post-Accident Examination Examination of the aircraft revealed about 1 gallon of fuel in the left fuel tank and about 6 gallons of fuel in the right fuel tank. Examination of the aircraft and engine revealed no mechanical deficiencies.

Fuel exhaustion & starvation

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 29 Apr 2001 Piper J3-C65 accident near Clarksburg, WV?

A pilot aborted a landing and initiated a go-around, during which the engine lost power. The aircraft made a forced landing in a field and was substantially damaged. Fuel was found in both tanks, and no mechanical deficiencies were identified.

Were there any fatalities in the 29 Apr 2001 Piper J3-C65 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 29 Apr 2001 involved a Piper J3-C65, registration N78521, at Clarksburg, WV.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to perform fuel consumption calculations and incorrect positioning of the fuel tank selector, which resulted in fuel starvation of the engine.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20010511X00930. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.