PIPER J3C-65
Porter, TX, July 13, 2009
Event Information
| Date | July 13, 2009 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| Location | Porter, TX |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 30.20000, -95.55139 |
| Highest Injury | MINR |
| NTSB Number | CEN09CA431 |
| Event ID | 20090713X90753 |
Aircraft
| Make | PIPER |
| Model | J3C-65 |
| Registration # | N70455 |
| Operator | HILL CRAIG |
| Owner | HILL CRAIG |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 2 |
| None | 0 |
| Total Injured | 2 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The partial loss of engine power due to carburetor icing resulting in the pilot's inability to clear the wires.
Full Narrative
The pilot noticed a significant loss of engine power while maneuvering on a local area flight. The pilot began looking for a suitable place to land and noticed a sandbar along a river. As he approached the river he applied carburetor heat and the engine power began to recover. At this time the airplane was at tree top level along the river when the pilot noticed wires crossing the river. The pilot was unable reestablish a climb and avoid the wires. The airplane struck the wires and impacted inverted on the sandbar. The pilot and passenger received minor injuries. Weather conditions at the time of the accident were conducive to carburetor icing at cruise and glide power settings with a temperature of 34 degrees Celsius and dew point of 23 degrees Celsius. According to a Federal Aviation Administration inspector on scene, there were no pre-impact anomalies noted.
About This NTSB Record
This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.