Casualties unknown

Loss of Engine Power Leads to Forced Landing on Soft Terrain (N38435)

South Shore, SD, US

On September 4, 2003, a Piper J3C-65 (registration N38435) operated by Christian T. Reimche was involved in an aviation accident near South Shore, SD. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. A factor was the soft terrain encountered during the forced landing. 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 experienced a loss of engine power approximately 15 minutes after takeoff from a private airstrip. The forced landing resulted in impact with soft terrain. Post-accident inspection found no mechanical failure; the engine ran normally after fuel was added.

Accident Summary

A pilot reported that the airplane lost engine power about 15 minutes after departing from a private airstrip. The pilot had filled the aircraft with fuel at that airstrip just before takeoff. After the power loss, the pilot attempted to restart the engine by pumping the throttle and checking the fuel valve and magnetos, but the engine would not restart. The airplane subsequently impacted soft terrain during the forced landing.

Post-Accident Inspection

An inspection of the airplane and its engine revealed no failure or malfunction that would have caused the loss of engine power. Fuel was added to the header tank, and the engine was started, running up to 1,500 rpm before the mechanic shut it down.

Fueling Details

The airplane was refueled using above-ground fuel tanks at the private airstrip. This airstrip is also used by an aerial application operator. No reports of problems with other aircraft that had been refueled from the same source were received.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20030911X01521. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.