# NTSB SEA86LA187: Boeing PT13/17, N1307N, Vancouver, WA, July 31, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 31, 1986, 12:30 local (19:30 UTC)
- Place: Vancouver, WA
- Coordinates: 45.693502, -122.52527 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=45.6935&lon=-122.5253&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 40460
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA86LA187
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/40460/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA86LA187

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Loss of engine power(partial) - mech failure/malf, maneuvering - turn to landing area (emergency)
  - fluid,fuel - exhaustion (contributing factor)
  - engine instruments,fuel quantity gage - false indication (contributing factor)
  - aircraft preflight - inadequate, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - fuel supply - misjudged, pilot in command (cause)
  - precautionary landing - delayed, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
  - proper alignment - not possible, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with object, landing - flare/touchdown
  - object - building(nonresidential)

## Analysis

THE PLT REPORTED THE ENGINE STARTED RUNNING ROUGH NEAR WOODLAND, WASHINGTON AND AN APPROACH WAS SET UP, BUT DUE TO MANY AIRCRAFT IN THE PATTERN THE PILOT ELECTED TO GO TO SCAPPOSE, WASHINGTON (ABOUT 10 NM SOUTH OF WOODLAND). AT SCAPPOSE, WASHINGTON THE PILOT NOTED 'X'S' ON THE RUNWAY AND DECIDED TO TRY TO MAKE IT TO EVERGREEN (17 NM SE OF SCAPPOSE). ENROUTE TO EVERGREEN THE ENGINE QUIT AND A FORCED LANDING WAS ATTEMPTED TO CLARK COUNTY. THE ACFT BOUNCED OFF THE ROOF OF THE RESTAURANT AND CAME TO REST INVERTED BESIDE THE BLDG. A CERTIFIED A&P MECHANIC REMOVED AND VISUALLY TESTED THE SIGHT FUEL GAUGE. THE FUEL LEVEL INDICATOR (CORK FLOAT) MOVED FREELY FROM THE FULL POSITION TO A POINT (IN THE GAUGE) WHERE ABOUT 10 GALLONS WOULD BE INDICATED AND BECAME STUCK AT THAT POINT. THE PLT REPORTED THE FUEL GAUGE HAD BEEN 'VISUALLY CALIBRATED' AT THE LAST ANNUAL INSPECTION.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N1307N](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N1307N), registered now, S/N 75-5135 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BOEING PT13/17
- Registry model: [Boeing E75](https://openairdocs.org/model/boeing-e75) (registry code 1380120) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental W670 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-w670-series) (registry code 17018, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 75-5135
- Airframe hours: 4007
- Engines: CONTINENTAL R-670-W 315 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Robert E. Burton
- Registered owner: Thomas R. Vuscovich
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Aerobatic; Standard, Utility; Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, February 1, 1986, 12 hours before
- Departed: 59S, VANCOUVER, WA
- Destination: 0S6, ORCHARDS, WA
- Airport: 0S6, Clark County, runway 7, 2,800 × 50 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 40; airline transport; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: center; flight hours: 11,000 total, 100 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 30 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 81 °F, dew point 50 °F

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19860731036689A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860731036689A), Jul 31, 1986: Boeing E75, Orchards, WA, Substantial damage. The engine failed from fuel exhaustion. Fuel sight gauge found sticking. Pilot overflew a suitable landing area.

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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