Piper J3C-65 N42769 accident near Justin, Texas

Probable cause

The total loss of engine power due to carburetor icing.

NTSB analysis

The pilot was conducting a local flight. During the approach to landing, he applied carburetor heat on the downwind leg and reduced power on the base leg. When he added power, the engine did not respond; however, the propeller continued to windmill. Unable to glide to the private airfield, he selected a nearby wheatfield for the forced landing, but hit trees on the approach. The airplane came to rest in the trees.

Examination of the airplane noted that the fuel tank contained fuel and both wings and fuselage sustained substantial damage. The examination of the engine revealed no evidence of preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. The weather conditions at the time of the accident were conducive to the formation of serious carburetor icing at glide (idle) engine power settings. Thus, it is likely before the application of carburetor heat, carburetor ice formed and/or the application of carburetor heat was not sufficient to remove the icing which resulted in a loss of engine power during landing.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN21LA168 for the full record.