Beech E35 accident near Eastsound, WA
On June 9, 2001, a Beech E35 (airplane) was involved in an accident near Eastsound, WA. 3 people were seriously injured. Damage to the aircraft: substantial.
- Date
- June 9, 2001
- Place
- Eastsound, WA
- Aircraft
- Beech E35 · Airplane
- Injuries
- 0 fatal, 3 serious, 1 minor
- Damage
- Substantial
- Position
- 48.620°N, 122.870°W
- NTSB ID
- 20010618X01190
NTSB summary
HISTORY OF FLIGHT On June 9, 2001, at 1400 Pacific daylight time, a Beech E35, N7362B, registered to and operated by the private pilot as a 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight, experienced a loss of engine power shortly after takeoff from Orcas Island airport, Eastsound, Washington, and subsequently collided with trees and the terrain during the forced landing. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The airplane was substantially damaged and the private pilot and two of his passengers were seriously injured. The fourth passenger received minor injuries. The flight was departing for Roche Harbor, Washington. Witnesses to the accident reported to the San Juan County Sheriff's Department personnel, who responded to the accident site, that the aircraft took off to the south and attained an altitude between 100 and 150 feet above ground level. After the aircraft cleared the runway and the landing gear was retracted, the engine suddenly lost power, "as if turned off." The aircraft continued to the south, loosing altitude as it approached the Lavender Hollow Apartments. The witnesses reported that the aircraft appeared to turn to the left prior to striking trees. During a telephone interview and subsequent written statement, the pilot reported that the start, taxi, run up and takeoff from runway 16 were normal. The airplane attained an altitude of about 150 feet above ground level when the engine suddenly lost power. The pilot began emergency procedures and adjusted the engine controls (mixture, propeller, throttle) with no engine response.
Probable cause
Failure of the engine driven fuel pump due to a worn snap ring which resulted in a loss of engine power during initial climb. Failure to comply with Service Bulletin inspection instructions, and collision with trees were factors.
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Browse: Washington · Beech aircraft
Source: NTSB aviation accident database (US government, public domain). Findings may be preliminary or later revised by the NTSB. Not a complete global record.
