NTSB Factual Report

On July 13, 2010, approximately 2030 central daylight time, a Piper J3C-65, N35645, was substantially damaged during a forced landing to a body of water following a loss of engine power near Krum, Texas. The private pilot and airline transport pilot rated passenger on board sustained minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The local flight departed Bird Dog Airfield (TE58), Krum, Texas, approximately 1930.

In an interview with the pilot and from his provided written statement, the pilot said he and his passenger had been practicing flight maneuvers in the local area. Before landing the pilot overflew a small lake. The pilot stated he began a slight descending turn with the power near idle. When he went to add power, the engine did not respond. During the loss of engine power, the pilot reported that the engine did not run rough or make any unusual sounds. The airplane was still over the water and the pilot did not think he could make land, so he performed a forced landing in the lake. The left wing was damaged upon impact with the water. The pilot stated there were no known malfunctions with his airplane and he attributed the loss of engine power to carburetor icing.

An on-scene inspection of the airplane's engine ans other systems by a responding Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector did not reveal any pre-impact anomalies.

A review of the carburetor icing chart located in the FAA Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin CE-09-35, dated June 30, 2009, revealed that the airplane was operating in an area that was conducive for the production of serious icing at glide power.

NTSB Probable Cause

A total loss of engine power in flight due to carburetor icing.