NTSB Factual Report

On April 11, 2002, at 1617 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-18, N30660, registered to and owned by the pilot, landed in a sugar cane field and burst into flames during a forced landing near Pahokee, Florida. The personal flight was operated by the pilot under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91 with no flight plan filed. Visual weather conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The airplane was destroyed and there was a post-impact fire. The private pilot and his passenger were not injured. The flight departed Pahokee, Florida, at 1615, on April 11, 2002.

According to the pilot, the fuel tank was filled with 100 low lead fuel before the takeoff. The pilot taxied to runway 10, and initiated a takeoff. During climbout at about 100 feet, the pilot started a left climbing turn, and at approximately the same time, the engine lost power. The pilot further reported that engine RPM dropped to Idle. The pilot selected an emergency landing area and established an approach to land. The pilot reported that after the landing, the airplane burst into flames.

The subsequent examination of the accident site disclosed that the airframe was badly fire damaged. The engine compartment was also fire damaged, and engine components damaged. According to the pilot, he had not experienced any previous mechanical problems with the airplane.

NTSB Probable Cause

The loss of engine power and the post-landing fire for undetermined reasons.