On May 26, 2002, a Piper J-5 (registration N38399) operated by Paul C. Cassel was involved in an aviation accident near Greers Ferry, AR. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. A factor was the probability of carburetor ice. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
After takeoff, an aircraft experienced engine power loss. The pilot attempted to abort by landing back on the runway but overran, colliding with trees and brush. The cause of power loss was undetermined; carburetor ice was suspected.
Incident
Shortly after liftoff, the aircraft's engine lost power. The pilot decided to abort the takeoff by setting the aircraft back onto the runway. The decision to abort was based on a perpendicular tree line located at the end of the runway. Subsequently, the aircraft overran the end of the runway and collided with trees and brush.
Investigation
The loss of engine power could not be determined. The pilot suspected carburetor ice as a possible cause. According to information on a Carburetor Icing Probability Chart, and given the temperature and dewpoint conditions in which the airplane was operating, a "serious icing" probability could have existed.