Taylor J-2, N16667: Accident occurred June 20, 2014 in Lock Haven, Pennsylvania

NTSB Identification: ERA14LA308
 14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Friday, June 20, 2014 in Lock Haven, PA
Aircraft: TAYLOR J-2, registration: N16667
Injuries: 1 Uninjured.

This is preliminary information, subject to change, and may contain errors. Any errors in this report will be corrected when the final report has been completed. NTSB investigators may not have traveled in support of this investigation and used data provided by various sources to prepare this aircraft accident report.

On June 20, 2014, about 1625 eastern daylight time, a Taylor J-2, N16667, impacted a tree during a forced landing in a residential area after a partial loss of engine power near William T. Piper Memorial Airport (LHV), Lock Haven, Pennsylvania. The airplane was owned and operated by an individual. The commercial pilot was not injured and the airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan had been filed for the local flight, which was operated under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91.

According to the pilot, the flight had just departed and was in the traffic pattern. The airplane was "operating smoothly" and it was his first time flying behind a single-bladed propeller, when the engine suddenly lost partial power and the airplane was unable to maintain altitude. Unable to return to the airport or make a landing in a nearby river due to his low altitude, he decided to attempt a landing in a clearing between several houses. During the forced landing, the airplane impacted a tree and came to rest in an approximate 45 degree nose down attitude in the tree.

According to an eyewitness report, the airplane taxied to, and departed from a turf runway. The airplane became airborne about 1,000 feet down the runway. About 100 feet above ground level the airplane banked to the right and subsequently began a gradual descent. During the descent a "faint smoke trail" was observed trailing behind the airplane.

Examination of the airplane by an inspector from the Federal Aviation Administration revealed that both wings and the right wing strut were substantially damaged. At least 4 gallons of blue fluid, similar in color and smell as 100LL aviation fuel, was removed from the fuel tank following the accident; it was free of debris and water.

The engine was retained for further investigation.


 LOCK HAVEN — Emergency officials confirm that a plane has crashed in Clinton County.

Crews were called out Friday afternoon when a plane was reported down on Main Street in Lock Haven.

First responders said they believe the pilot lost power to the 1936 Taylor J-2 plane  which caused it to crash.

George Crug was identified as the pilot of the downed aircraft. He is taking part in the Sentimental Journey which is an aviation event celebrating Piper aircraft that takes place annually in Lock Haven.

Several people who spoke with the pilot told Newswatch 16 that the small plane went down behind a residential area just after the pilot took off.

The Federal Aviation Administration is expected to do further investigation into the crash.

Story, video and comments:  http://wnep.com

Photo  "Another plane crash":  https://twitter.com

1936 Taylor J-2, N16667,  Mark W. Stewart:  http://registry.faa.gov/N16667