Accident Details
A pilot enrolled in a commercial pilot certificate course was conducting a solo flight from Seattle to Bremerton, Washington, and return. The aircraft departed at about 1300 Pacific Daylight Time. At approximately 1635 PDT, residents near the crash site reported seeing and hearing a low-flying aircraft circle the area several times before it crashed. One witness stated the engine was sputtering as the plane passed overhead. The aircraft came to rest in a wooded area.
Wreckage and Fuel System
The left wing was torn from the fuselage during the crash sequence. A witness observed fuel leaking from the left fuel tank. Investigation revealed that the fuel selector valve was positioned to the right tank. Based on the flight manual data, the aircraft would have consumed 21 to 31 gallons of fuel during the flight, which had a duration of 3 to 5 hours. Each fuel tank had a usable capacity of 24 gallons.
Pilot Condition
A toxicological test of the pilot's blood revealed an alcohol level of 0.303%. Police and medical personnel at the crash site reported that the pilot's seat belt was not fastened.
Investigation Outcome
The investigation did not specify a probable cause for the accident.