# NTSB SEA87LA017: Champion 7ECA, N8338V, Paisley, OR, November 4, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: November 3, 1986, 20:15 local (Nov 4, 1986, 04:15 UTC)
- Place: Paisley, OR
- Coordinates: 42.609657, -120.569358 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=42.6097&lon=-120.5694&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 40561
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA87LA017
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/40561/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA87LA017

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, cruise - normal
  - fluid,fuel - blocked(total) (cause)
  - weather condition - temperature extremes (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - high density altitude (contributing factor)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with object, descent - emergency
  - object - wire,transmission (contributing factor)
  - light condition - dark night (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE ACFT CONTACTED POWER LINES DURING A NIGHT FORCED LANDING ON A HIGHWAY FOLLOWING A LOSS OF PWR. THE POWER LINES PARALLELED THE ROAD. INVESTIGATION REVEALED NO DISCREPANCIES WITH THE ENGINE OR FUEL SYSTEM. PLANNED FUEL RESERVE WAS FOUND IN THE TANKS. THE PLT SUSPECTS VAPOR LOCK DUE TO HIGH ALT AND COLD TEMP UNDER REDUCED FUEL QUANTITY CONDITIONS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8338V](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N8338V), registered now, S/N 401, built 1966 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CHAMPION 7ECA
- Registry model: [Champion 7ECA](https://openairdocs.org/model/champion-7eca) (registry code 21101NN) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-235 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-235-series) (registry code 41505, 4 cycle) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 401
- Airframe hours: 2566
- Engines: LYCOMING O-235-C1 115 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Frank. Porter, Jr.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, June 4, 1986
- Departed: PAE, EVERETT, WA
- Destination: LKV, LAKEVIEW, OR
- Flight plan: IFR

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 48; flight instructor, commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, single-engine sea, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: front; flight hours: 10,868 total, 1,500 in this make and model, 10,690 as pilot in command, 36 in the last 90 days, 4 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/dark
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 39 °F, dew point 34 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: LMT, 50 nm away

## 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 19861103053319A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19861103053319A), Nov 3, 1986: Bbavia 7ECA, Paisley, OR, Substantial damage. The engine failed and the aircraft struck powerlines during the forced landing. Vapor lock suspected.

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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