On June 29, 2005, a Piper J3C-65 (registration N38341) was involved in an aviation accident near Mocksville, NC. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The loss of engine power due to fuel system contamination. A factor was trees. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot experienced a loss of engine power during a left crosswind turn at 400 feet, leading to an off-airport landing. The aircraft collided with trees and the ground. Post-accident examination revealed particles in the carburetor.
Accident Narrative
The pilot reported a loss of engine power while executing a left crosswind turn at an altitude of 400 feet. Following the power loss, the pilot decided to perform an off-airport landing. During the approach to land, the airplane struck trees and subsequently impacted the ground.
Post-Accident Examination
Maintenance personnel conducted an examination of the engine. With the throttle set to idle, the engine RPM fluctuated between 500 and 1300, while oil pressure remained steady at 40 psi. The carburetor was disassembled, revealing "small particles of dirt or paint chips" present in both the carburetor and the gascolator. Some of these particles were observed to be large enough to potentially block fuel flow to the engine if they were injected or positioned to enter the fuel jet nozzle. A field test run of the engine was also performed as part of the post-accident examination.
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