Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary SEA94LA108

SNOHOMISH, WA, USA

Aircraft #1

N70277

PIPER J3C-65

Analysis

THE PILOT REPORTED THAT HE WAS PRACTICING A SIMULATED ENGINE OUT LANDING TO AN OPEN FIELD. JUST PRIOR TO TOUCH DOWN, THE PILOT QUICKLY ADVANCED THE THROTTLE. THE ENGINE HESITATED AND THE AIRPLANE SANK TO THE GROUND THAT WAS COVERED WITH TALL GRASS. THE PILOT REPORTED THAT THERE WERE NO MECHANICAL FAILURES OR MALFUNCTIONS WITH THE AIRPLANE AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT.

Factual Information

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.

Probable Cause and Findings

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

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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