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Piper J3C N61903 Engine Failure and Forced Landing in Rolleville

FR

On June 11, 2014, a Piper J3C (registration N61903) was involved in an aviation accident near FR. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The engine stopped due to a lack of fuel supply. The investigation indicated it was possible the pilot forgot to activate the fuel transfer between the two tanks, or that the transfer was initiated too late, preventing the main tank from being refilled… This summary draws on records from the French Bureau d'Enquêtes et d'Analyses (BEA).

Sourcesthe French Bureau d'Enquêtes et d'Analyses (BEA)Primary reportUpdated 2026-09-13Data APIEditorial standards

On June 11, 2014, a Piper J3C (N61903) suffered an engine failure during cruise near Rolleville, France, forcing a landing in a wheat field. The aircraft overturned and was heavily damaged. The pilot and passenger were aboard.

Flight Details and Accident Sequence On June 11, 2014, at approximately 17:38 local time, a Piper J3C with registration N61903 was operating a private general aviation flight. The aircraft departed from Lille Marcq-en-Barœul aerodrome in France, with a planned stop at Dieppe Saint-Aubin before continuing to Le Havre Octeville for refueling. The final destination was Burgos, Spain. The pilot was accompanied by one passenger. During cruise at an altitude of approximately 900 feet, about five minutes from the aerodrome, the engine experienced misfires and subsequently stopped. The pilot executed a forced landing in a wheat field. A few meters after touchdown, the aircraft overturned onto its back, resulting in heavy damage to the airframe.

Probable cause

The engine stopped due to a lack of fuel supply. The investigation indicated it was possible the pilot forgot to activate the fuel transfer between the two tanks, or that the transfer was initiated too late, preventing the main tank from being refilled sufficiently to sustain engine operation.
Fuel exhaustion & starvation

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