JP Flyer PA-12 | N1202Y

The DTSB determines the Probable Cause of this accident to be Pilot Error, in that the pilot elected to attempt flight on the first flight after an extensive custom conversion from a Piper PA12- to a unique build of the pilots own design, called a JP Flyer. While the engine did not sound normal during ground taxi, the pilot attempted flight and then lost all power immediately after takeoff, and the pilot never lowered the nose. The aircraft stalled and spun and impacted just beyond the departure end of the runway. Various witnesses at the airport reported that as the airplane began its initial takeoff roll on Runway 8, the engine appeared not to have been producing full takeoff power, and they initially thought that the pilot would abort the takeoff, but the airplane unexpectedly became airborne and started a shallow climb. As the airplane continued the shallow climb, witnesses reported hearing the engine lose power and it descended behind a stand of trees at the departure end of the runway.

Probable Cause issued 9/23/2026 – 24 months after the accident: The installation of an improperly sized fuel line that did not allow for adequate fuel flow to the engine, resulting in a partial loss of engine power and collision with trees.

The DTSB recommends that all pilots of all aircraft be fully rehearsed and conditioned for both LOTOT and ROTOT and be fully prepared to lower the nose and fly straight ahead when encountering power anomalies after takeoff.