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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

April 23, 1994 · Piper J3C-65 · N70277

Snohomish, WA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 23, 1994
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Snohomish, WA
Aircraft
Piper J3C-65
Tail Number
N70277
Operator
Gillis Alan A
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
SEA94LA108

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.

NTSB Probable Cause

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

Full Narrative

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.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:30 PDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper J3C-65
Tail NumberN70277
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorGillis Alan A
Operating RulePart 91
Engines2
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · C85-F · Reciprocating · 75
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 33 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind290° @ 10 kt
Visibility50 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point64 F / 45 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data