Piper PA-28-151 N6245J

Summary

On 1 June 2004 at about 18:25 local time, a Piper PA-28-151 registered N6245J was involved in an accident near Easton, Washington, United States. 2 people were on board and 2 were seriously injured. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

1 June 2004 at 18:25

Classification

Accident

Location

Easton, Washington, United States

Coordinates

47.3667, -121.2022

Aircraft

Piper PA-28-151

Registration

N6245J

Category

Airplane

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

East Wentachee → Seattle

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

SEA04LA097

2 people were seriously injured.

The pilot's failure to maintain terrain clearance while maneuvering in mountainous terrain. Mountain terrain was a factor.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

Both airline transport pilots reported that they were flying over mountainous terrain. Estimated altitude above the ground was about 1,500 to 2,000 feet. The pilot-in-command made a turn into a narrow valley that rose to a ridgeline at its end. While in the valley, the pilot-in-command noted the rising terrain and reported that he began a slow full power climb as they approached the rising terrain. The pilot reported that during the climb, the aircraft's performance seemed to decline. The pilot determined that they would not have sufficient altitude to clear the terrain and he began a turn to the left to reverse course, however, the engine did not have enough power to complete the turn before the aircraft collided with the terrain. Post-accident inspection of the aircraft and engine found no evidence of a mechanical failure or malfunction.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.