J3 Cub
Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Flight Instructor; Flight Crew Multiengine
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 100; Flight Crew Total 10000; Flight Crew Type 50
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical
Flight Crew Returned To Departure Airport; Flight Crew Landed in Emergency Condition
Aircraft
[After] takeoff; it became evident that aircraft was not climbing enough to clear trees. I maneuvered the aircraft between obstacles and over the river until gaining sufficient altitude to return for a safe landing. I suspect a stuck valve was the problem in the [Continental] A-65.
Piper Cub pilot reported loss of power after takeoff; so he returned to departure airport.