Probable cause
A total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that he had been flying for about 30 minutes when the engine lost total power. He flew the airplane toward a clearing for a forced landing, during which the airplane impacted a tree, resulting in substantial damage. Examination of the airplane and engine revealed no anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.
Although weather conditions at the accident site were conducive to the formation of carburetor ice at cruise power settings, the pilot provided conflicting statements regarding his use of carburetor heat, and whether carburetor icing played a role in the loss of engine power could not be determined based on the available information.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA18LA243 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Sep 1, 2018
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Cochranton, Pennsylvania
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA12
- N-number
- N3415M
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1947
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
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.