# NTSB SEA94LA108: Piper J3C-65, N70277, Snohomish, WA, April 23, 1994

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: April 23, 1994, 13:30 local (20:30 UTC)
- Place: Snohomish, WA
- Coordinates: 47.940662, -122.00045 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=47.9407&lon=-122.0005&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report December 2, 1994
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 41915
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA94LA108
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/41915/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA94LA108

## Probable cause

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

## Sequence of events

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

- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, landing - roll
  - terrain condition - high vegetation (contributing factor)
  - in-flight planning/decision - poor, pilot in command (cause)

## 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 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.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N70277](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N70277), registered now, S/N 17258, built 1946 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER J3C-65
- Registry model: [Piper J3C-65](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-j3c-65) (registry code 7100510) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental C85 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-c85-series) (registry code 17008, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 17258
- Airframe hours: 4150
- Engines: CONTINENTAL C85-F 75 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Gillis, Alan A.
- Registered owner: Gillis, Alan A.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, March 27, 1993, 76 hours before

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 33; private; airplane ratings: single-engine sea, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: rear; flight hours: 852 total, 128 in this make and model, 849 as pilot in command, 35 in the last 90 days, 25 in the last 30 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 290° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 50 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 64 °F, dew point 45 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg

## 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 19940423017149A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19940423017149A), Apr 23, 1994: Piper J3C65, Snohomish, WA, Substantial damage. Practicing simulated engine out procedure. Leveled too low. Engine failed respond. Gear caught tall grass.

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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