Accident Details
On May 21, 2011, at about 1200 central daylight time, a Piper J3C-65, registration N55754, was substantially damaged when it impacted terrain in Cypress, Texas. The aircraft was owned by a private individual and operated by another private individual. The pilot and a pilot-rated passenger sustained minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the personal flight conducted under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. The flight departed from Dry Creek Airport (TS07) in Cypress, Texas, bound for Sport Flyers Airport (27XS) in Brookshire, Texas.
Narrative
According to statements from both occupants, the airplane stopped climbing during the initial climb, began losing power, and started descending. The pilot performed an off-airport forced landing in a large yard behind a residence. During the landing rollout, the airplane struck a fence and several trees before coming to rest upright. A significant fuel spill occurred, but there was no postimpact fire. The impacts partially separated the left wing and damaged the engine, mounts, forward fuselage, empennage, and both wings.
Aircraft Examination
An examination of the airplane revealed no preimpact anomalies with the engine.
Carburetor Icing Consideration
The pilot did not report using carburetor heat after engine start, during taxi, or during takeoff. According to a carburetor icing probability chart, an airplane operating in the ambient conditions at the time of the accident could expect a serious risk of carburetor icing while at glide power and a risk of icing at cruise power.