N98278Piper J3C-65 · 1946

On September 2, 2019, about 1240 eastern daylight time, a float-equipped Piper J3C-65 airplane, N98278, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Independence Charter Township, Michigan. The pilot and passenger were seriously injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

According to information collected by the responding Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector, the pilot had performed three previous takeoffs from Walters Lake. The pilot stated that, shortly following the accident takeoff, he noticed a reduced climb performance which he perceived was exacerbated by turbulence. He maneuvered to avoid high-tension power lines that ran east-west along the flight route. During the turn, the airplane entered an aerodynamic stall which the pilot was able to recover from; however, the airplane subsequently stalled a second time, and the pilot was unable to recover the airplane before the collision with terrain. The pilot and passenger were able to exit the airplane, and a post impact fire ensued. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the empennage, fuselage, and both wings.

The pilot reported that the floats were “pumped” normally before the flight, and that the engine did not show any indications of a malfunction.

Examination of the wreckage by the FAA did not reveal any anomalies. Calculations performed by the FAA inspector showed the airplane near, but not over the maximum takeoff weight. The fuel was estimated at 8 gallons but could not be verified due to the fire.

A review of meteorological data indicated the potential for serious carburetor icing at glide power settings.