Probable cause
The failure of the pilots to maintain airspeed following a reported partial loss of engine power.
NTSB analysis
According to the owner of the airplane, two certificated flight instructors took the airplane out for the purpose of getting one of the pilots a tail wheel endorsement. The owner stated that while they were on approach to the private grass strip the engine lost power due to carburetor ice, they applied carburetor heat but inadvertently stalled the airplane which “mushed” and impacted the ground substantially damaging the airframe, and separating both main landing gear. He stated that neither pilot was injured. Neither the FAA inspector nor the NTSB Investigator-in-charge were able to speak with the pilot's directly. However, the FAA Inspector was able to speak to their attorney. According to the inspector neither pilot would admit who was the pilot in command at the time of the accident.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA09CA543 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 28, 2008
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Rosedale, Mississippi
- Nearest airport
- Private Grass Strip (NONE)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper J3C-65
- N-number
- N42156
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Instructional
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.