WPR12LA318

The pilot reported that during takeoff for the local flight, the engine lost power. A witness reported that shortly after takeoff, the airplane descended and collided with a tree located off the departure end of the runway then impacted terrain. A postaccident examination of the engine revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.

On July 21, 2012, about 1030 Pacific daylight time, a Republic RC-3 airplane, N87521, collided with a tree shortly after takeoff from Harvey Field (S43) Snohomish, Washington. The airline transport pilot, the sole occupant of the airplane, was seriously injured. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and the aft fuselage. The airplane was registered to the pilot, and operated under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the local flight. Witnesses reported that shortly after takeoff they observed the airplane’s right wing hit a tree located off the departure end of runway 15L. One witness stated that the airplane was not ascending before it struck the tree. The airplane subsequently collided with terrain and came to rest in a creek about 3,000 feet beyond the departure end of the runway. In a written statement, the pilot reported that he “left Harvey Field lost power.” No other explanation or details surrounding the event or loss of engine power was provided by the pilot. Follow-up conversations with the pilot revealed no additional details surrounding the accident sequence. Following the accident, personnel employed by the airport moved the wreckage from the accident location to a parking tie-down at the airport. Examination of the airplane by representatives from NTSB and FAA revealed structural damage to the aft lower fuselage and both wings. The engine was intact, in place and no impact related damage was noted. The engine case, cylinders and associated overhead components were intact and no anomalies were observed. Both magnetos were attached to their respective drive pads and the associated ignition wires and spark plugs were in place and unremarkable. The top spark plugs were removed; light rust type corrosion was noted to the bodies of all 6 spark plugs. The surface area between the center and ground electrodes was clear and normal wear patterns were observed. Drive train continuity was established by manually rotating the crankshaft. The oil sump was in place and no holes, breaches or leaks were observed. Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed no evidence of a pre impact mechanical malfunction or failure that would have precluded normal operation.