N70277PIPER J3C-65 1994-04-23 NTSB Accident Report

Substantial
None

PIPER J3C-65 S/N: 17258

Summary

On April 23, 1994, a Piper J3C-65 (N70277) was involved in an incident near Snohomish, WA. All 2 people aboard were uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.

The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this incident to be: POOR IN-FLIGHT PLANNING/DECISION. A FACTOR TO THE ACCIDENT WAS: HIGH VEGETATION.

On April 23, 1994, at 1330 Pacific daylight time, a Piper J3C-65, N70277, collided with the terrain during a simulated engine out procedure to an open field located five miles east of Snohomish, Washington. The airplane was substantially damaged and the private pilot and his passenger were not injured. The flight had originated from Snohomish, on April 23, 1994, at 1300, as a local pleasure flight.

The pilot reported during a telephone interview and subsequent written statement that he was practicing a simulated engine out procedure to the open field. Just before touch down, the pilot stated that he suddenly advanced the throttle and the engine hesitated. The airplane sank to the ground and the landing gear caught in the tall grass.

This incident is documented in NTSB report SEA94LA108. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N70277.

Accident Details

Date
Saturday, April 23, 1994
NTSB Number
SEA94LA108
Location
SNOHOMISH, WA
Event ID
20001206X01184
Coordinates
47.940662, -122.000450
Nearest Airport
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
2
Total Aboard
2

Probable Cause and Findings

POOR IN-FLIGHT PLANNING/DECISION. A FACTOR TO THE ACCIDENT WAS: HIGH VEGETATION.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
PIPER
Serial Number
17258
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1946
Model / ICAO
J3C-65 J3
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
2
FAA Model
J3C-65

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
SMITH DAVID C
Address
343 MONSE RIVER RD
City
BREWSTER
State / Zip Code
WA 98812-9553
Country
United States

Analysis

On April 23, 1994, at 1330 Pacific daylight time, a Piper J3C-65, N70277, collided with the terrain during a simulated engine out procedure to an open field located five miles east of Snohomish, Washington. The airplane was substantially damaged and the private pilot and his passenger were not injured. The flight had originated from Snohomish, on April 23, 1994, at 1300, as a local pleasure flight.

The pilot reported during a telephone interview and subsequent written statement that he was practicing a simulated engine out procedure to the open field. Just before touch down, the pilot stated that he suddenly advanced the throttle and the engine hesitated. The airplane sank to the ground and the landing gear caught in the tall grass. The pilot stated that this engine is equipped with an older carburetor that does not have an accelerator pump. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# SEA94LA108