Piper J3C-65 N33538

Summary

On 7 November 2000 at about 16:00 local time, a Piper J3C-65 registered N33538 was involved in an accident near Middletown, New York, United States. 2 people were on board and one was seriously injured, one had minor injuries. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

7 November 2000 at 16:00

Classification

Accident

Location

Middletown, New York, United States

Nearest airport

Lewis Landing Airport (NK79)

Coordinates

41.4407, -74.4200

Aircraft

Piper J3C-65

Registration

N33538

Category

Airplane

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Slate Hill → Unknown

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

NYC01LA031

1 person was seriously injured.

A total loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

The pilot stated that he performed a preflight inspection of the airplane, started the engine, and let it idle for 10 minutes. He then taxied to the runway, performed a run-up, and departed. About 150 feet above the ground, the engine lost all power. Examination of the wreckage by a FAA inspector did not reveal any pre-impact mechanical malfunctions. The inspector noted that sufficient fuel was onboard the airplane, and there was no evidence of fuel contamination. The pilot reported that the engine was manufactured in 1963, and had approximately 800 hours of operation since overhaul. The owner stated that the last overhaul was performed sometime during the 1970's. A witness reported that the fuel valve was in the 'on' position when he first arrived at the accident site. The pilot believed that the fuel valve might have vibrated partially closed during the accident flight.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.