Accident Details
On June 23, 2008, about 1930 eastern daylight time, a Piper J3C-65, registration N4084J, was substantially damaged during a forced landing following a loss of engine power after takeoff from August Field Airport (NK17) in Gansevoort, New York. The certificated private pilot/owner and the passenger sustained minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local flight that originated at NK17 about 1929. No flight plan was filed for the personal flight, which was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91.
Flight Preparation
The pilot reported obtaining an FAA Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) to operate the airplane using automotive gasoline (STC# SA01944CH) and purchased 5 gallons of it on the way to the airport. Upon arrival, he discussed with the airport owner the possibility that the recently purchased fuel was blended with ethanol. Consequently, the pilot elected to service the airplane from a different gas can he had on hand, which contained fuel he believed was free of ethanol. The fuel service brought the total fuel onboard to approximately 10 gallons.
After completing a preflight inspection and before-starting-engine items, the pilot had his passenger monitor the brakes while he hand-propped the engine. The engine started on the second attempt, and the airplane was taxied half the length of the 2,800-foot grass runway. The pilot performed magneto and carburetor-heat checks, noting the anticipated 50 rpm drop for each. He then taxied into position for a southerly departure.
Takeoff and Engine Failure
The pilot advanced the throttle to full open, raised the tailwheel during the takeoff roll, and lifted off at 45 miles per hour. He described a shallow angle of climb at 60 to 65 knots, to between 80 and 100 feet above ground level, when the engine suddenly stopped producing power. The pilot lowered the nose, entered a 90-degree turn to the right, and struck the right wing tip on the ground as he leveled the wings for landing. The left main landing gear, then right main landing gear, collapsed at touchdown, and the airplane skidded to a stop. The pilot and passenger exited the airplane, and the pilot returned to close the fuel valve.
The pilot reported no other deficiencies with the performance or handling of the airplane besides the loss of engine power.
Post-Accident Examination
On June 24, 2008, FAA aviation safety inspectors examined the airplane. The engine crankshaft was rotated by hand; continuity was established through the powertrain and valvetrain to the accessory section. Compression was confirmed using the thumb method. The spark plugs were intact, and spark was produced by the magnetos at the bottom spark plug terminal leads.
The carburetor had broken off the engine at impact; examination revealed no mechanical anomalies. The filter screen was absent of debris. The fuel tank was drained, and the filter screen contained a light accumulation of debris. The shellac on the cork fuel float showed signs of deterioration.
The pilot held a private pilot certificate with a rating for airplane single-engine land. His most recent FAA third-class medical certificate was issued on July 25, 2006. He reported 191 total hours of flight experience, 82 of which were in the Piper J3. The airplane, manufactured in 1940, had accrued 1,238 total aircraft hours. The most recent annual inspection was completed June 5, 2008, at 1,237 aircraft hours.
At 1954, the weather reported at Floyd Bennett Memorial Airport (GFL), 8 miles north, included clear skies, wind from 240 degrees at 5 knots, visibility 10 miles, temperature 24°C, dew point 12°C. According to an FAA Carburetor Icing Probability Chart, the atmospheric conditions were on the cusp of those conducive to either "Serious Icing - glide power" or "Light Icing - glide or cruise power."