Event Summary
On April 10, 2026, at about 1700 eastern daylight time, a Piper J3C-65, registration N92480, was substantially damaged in an accident near Baker, Florida. The pilot reported minor injuries, and the passenger sustained serious injuries. The flight was conducted under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight.
Pilot Actions Prior to Departure
Before the first flight, the pilot performed a preflight inspection and added 0.5 quart of oil, bringing the oil quantity to about 3.5 quarts. He then taxied to the fuel pump and topped off the fuel tank with about 9 gallons of 100LL aviation fuel. According to the Piper J3C-65 owner's manual, the fuel tank capacity is 12 US gallons.
The pilot departed Skypark Estates Owners Assoc Airport (18FD) in Baker, Florida, about 1600 and flew for approximately 35 minutes performing local pattern work. He then landed and parked the airplane for about 30 minutes before conducting another preflight inspection, which revealed no anomalies.
Final Flight and Accident Sequence
About 1700, the pilot departed with a passenger seated in the front seat. After takeoff, the airplane climbed to about 1,500 ft above ground level (agl) and proceeded to Long Branch Farms Airport (2FA3) in Baker, Florida, a flight of about 10 minutes.
Upon arrival at 2FA3, the pilot descended to 1,000 ft agl with a slight reduction in power and crossed mid-field to enter the airport traffic pattern on a left downwind leg for runway 27. Carburetor heat was turned on, and engine power was reduced to about 1,500 rpm during the descent on the base and final legs. On short final, carburetor heat was turned off, and the engine was advanced to cruise power as the airplane leveled off at about 50 ft agl to conduct a low approach for inspecting runway conditions.
Following the low approach, the pilot applied full power for a normal climb at about 60 mph. At about 200 ft agl, the engine lost all power. The pilot confirmed the throttle lever was full forward, lowered the nose, and turned toward a field, attempting to fly through a small gap in the trees near its edge. While maneuvering, the pilot observed power lines crossing the field and tightened the turn to avoid them. The right wing contacted a tree, resulting in a significant yaw to the right and a decrease in airspeed. The airplane then yawed back to a forward direction and impacted the ground at a steep downward angle.
Damage and Wreckage
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and wings. The wreckage was retained for further examination.
Probable Cause
No probable cause was stated in the source.