# NTSB SEA96LA072: Piper PA-16, N5638H, Lynnwood, WA, March 26, 1996 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: March 26, 1996, 10:45 local (18:45 UTC) - Place: Lynnwood, WA - Coordinates: 47.8395, -122.290718 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=47.8395&lon=-122.2907&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: Serious injuries - Injuries: 1 serious, 1 minor - Status: Completed, report August 20, 1996 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 42348 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA96LA072 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/42348/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA96LA072 ## Probable cause a loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. A factor was the lack of suitable terrain for a forced landing. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Loss of engine power, takeoff - initial climb - reason for occurrence undetermined (cause) - Forced landing, emergency landing after takeoff - In flight collision with object, emergency landing after takeoff - terrain condition - none suitable (contributing factor) - object - tree(s) ## Analysis The pilot stated that the engine lost power shortly after takeoff. He attempted to restart the engine; however, it would not start and he prepared for a forced landing. The pilot stated that he made a slight turn to try to locate a suitable landing area; however, the ground was covered with tall trees and residential housing. He aimed the airplane between two trees and slowed to minimum controllable airspeed before the forced landing. The airplane collided with trees and came to rest inverted. The engine was inspected and no evidence was found to indicate a mechanical failure or malfunction. ## Factual narrative On March 26, 1996, at 1045 Pacific standard time, a Piper PA-16, N5638H, registered to and operated by the pilot as a 14 CFR Part 91, personal flight, experienced a loss of engine power shortly after takeoff from the Martha Lake Airport, Lynnwood, Washington. The pilot initiated a forced landing over a residential area and collided with trees during the descent. The airplane came to rest inverted in the front yard of a residence. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The airplane was substantially damaged and the private pilot was seriously injured. The private pilot rated passenger received minor injuries. In a written statement, the pilot reported that the engine lost power shortly after taking off to the north. The pilot stated that he verified the fuel selection, checked the magnetos and carburetor heat to try to restart the engine. The engine did not start and the pilot set up for an emergency landing. The pilot stated that he made a slight right turn to try to locate a suitable landing area, however, the area was covered with trees and houses. The pilot reported that he aimed the airplane between two trees to soften the impact and to avoid colliding with houses. The airplane struck trees and came to rest inverted on the front lawn of a residence. The wreckage was moved to a secured facility to inspect the engine. The engine was found to rotate easily, with compression developing in each cylinder. Rocker arm, valve train and accessory gear continuity was established. All spark plugs displayed normal operating signatures, and both magnetos produced a spark with hand rotation. During the inspection, no evidence was found to indicate a mechanical failure or malfunction. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N5638H](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N5638H), registered now, S/N 16-249, built 1949 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Piper PA-16 - Registry model: [Piper PA-16](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-16) (registry code 7101602) (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: 16-249 - Airframe hours: 2287 - Engines: Lycoming O-290-D 125 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Registered owner: Richard L. Davis - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, March 21, 1994, 124 hours before - Departed: S13, WA ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 40; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, expired; seat: left; flight hours: 700 total ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 30° at 4 knots - Visibility: 75 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: 20,000 ft broken - Temperature: 46 °F, dew point 37 °F - Altimeter: 30.00 inHg - Observed at: PAE, 3 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 19960326005019A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19960326005019A), Mar 26, 1996: Piper PA16, Lynnwood, WA, Substantial damage. Lost power on climbout. Landed in trees in residential area. Fell into yard. No mechanical. Suspect carburetor ice 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. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.