Piper J3C N55754 accident near Cypress, Texas

Probable cause

The loss of engine power due to carburetor ice.

NTSB analysis

According to the pilot, the airplane stopped climbing during the initial climb, and began losing power. The pilot made an off-airport forced landing in a large yard behind a residence. During the landing roll, the airplane struck a fence and several trees, and came to rest upright. No preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures were found that would have precluded normal operation. 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. Engine operations at low power settings during ground operations are similar to that of operations at glide power, making it likely the carburetor built up icing prior to takeoff. The airplane’s engine most likely experienced carburetor icing which resulted in the loss of engine power.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN11LA348 for the full record.