Cessna 172N accident near Decatur Island, WA
On October 3, 2001, a Cessna 172N (airplane) was involved in an accident near Decatur Island, WA. 3 people died. Damage to the aircraft: substantial.
- Date
- October 3, 2001
- Place
- Decatur Island, WA
- Aircraft
- Cessna 172N · Airplane
- Injuries
- 3 fatal, 0 serious, 0 minor
- Damage
- Substantial
- Position
- 48.500°N, 122.808°W
- NTSB ID
- 20011011X02078
NTSB summary
HISTORY OF FLIGHT On October 3, 2001, about 1338 Pacific daylight time, a Cessna 172N, N733SW, was substantially damaged after colliding with forested terrain approximately 1,300 feet north of the Decatur Shores Airstrip, Decatur Island, Washington. The airplane is owned by Aeronautical Services, Inc, and was being operated as West Isle Air flight 125. The airplane was being operated as a visual flight rules (VFR) scheduled, passenger flight under the provisions of Title 14, CFR Part 135, when the accident occurred. The pilot, an airline transport pilot, and the two passengers aboard the airplane were fatally injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a company flight plan was in effect. The pilot's planned destination was Anacortes, Washington. Witnesses to the accident reported that shortly after departing from the northbound runway, the pilot initiated a 360-degree turn to the right (east). Shortly before completing the turn, the aircraft banked sharply to the left, pitched down, and collided with trees in a nose-low attitude. Witnesses reported that the aircraft's engine sounded normal during takeoff and the initial climb. PERSONNEL INFORMATION The pilot held an airline transport pilot (ATP) certificate with an airplane multiengine land rating. He also held a commercial pilot certificate with an airplane single-engine land rating and instrument rating. According to company training records, the pilot's most recent proficiency check was completed on June 12, 2001, in a Piper PA-31-350. According to FAA records, the pilot was issued a first-class medical cert
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed during a low altitude turn, resulting in a stall. The pilot exceeding the aircraft's maximum gross takeoff weight was a factor.
More accidents in WA
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Browse: Washington · Cessna 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.
