Piper PA-32-300 Cherokee Six, N33022: Accident occurred September 16, 2021 - Orcas Island, Washington

This is preliminary information, subject to change, and may contain errors. Any errors in this report will be corrected when the final report has been completed. 

The National Transportation Safety Board did not travel to the scene of this accident.

Additional Participating Entity: 

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Seattle, Washington

https://registry.faa.gov/N33022

Location: Orcas Island, Washington

Accident Number: WPR21LA363

Date and Time: September 16, 2021, 18:25 Local 

Registration: N33022

Aircraft: Piper PA-32-300

Injuries: 2 Serious, 1 Minor

Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Business

On September 16, 2021, at 1825 Pacific daylight time, a Piper PA-32-300, Cherokee Six, N33022, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Orcas Island, Washington. The pilot sustained minor injuries and the 2 passengers were seriously injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

The flight originated from Bellingham International Airport (KBLI), Bellingham, Washington. The pilot reported that he planned to fly with the airplane owner over different business project sites on Orcas Island, and then stop at Friday Harbor Airport (KFHR), Friday Harbor, Washington, to meet a company employee and return him back to their operating base at KBLI.

While on climbout from Orcas Island, the pilot and the passenger observed an oily substance on the windscreen and decided to land immediately at KFHR. After landing, oil was found on the cowling and around the propeller hub.

Two mechanics hired by the owner to inspect the airplane following the precautionary landing reported that they did not find any oil on the upper engine cowling. They verified 10 quarts of oil in the engine, as reported by the pilot at the start of the flight. Oil residue was found at the front of the engine, near the crankshaft seal area. The area was cleaned, and the engine and propeller were respectively started and cycled with no oil leaks detected.

After the inspection the pilot departed KFHR with a planned destination of KBLI. During the climbout, the pilot observed the oil pressure in the yellow range and leveled off at 2,000 ft mean sea level. The pilot reduced engine power and set the propeller rpm between 2,200 to 2,300, and verified all engine parameters and readings were in the green. Shortly after, the engine “hesitated” and then lost all power.

The pilot maneuvered as he configured the airplane for best glide speed. During a turn, the pilot activated the auxiliary fuel pump, and switched the fuel selector from left to right main fuel tank. As the airplane continued its decent, the engine suddenly restarted, but again lost power. When the airplane was about 80 ft above the ground, the owner heard the stall warning horn. The airplane then landed hard on a grass field, bounced, and then came to rest upright.

The airplane and engine were recovered to a secure location for further examination.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Piper 

Registration: N33022

Model/Series: PA-32-300 

Aircraft Category: Airplane

Amateur Built:

Operator: 

Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

Operator Designator Code:

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

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Departure Point: Friday Harbor, WA (KFHR) 

Destination: Bellingham, WA (KBLI)

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Minor 

Aircraft Damage: Substantial

Passenger Injuries: 2 Serious

Aircraft Fire: None

Ground Injuries: 

Aircraft Explosion: None

Total Injuries: 2 Serious, 1 Minor 

Latitude, Longitude: 48.646286,-122.78279 (est)