Casualties unknown

Ferry Flight Ends with Wheels-Up Landing After Engine Failures Due to Water in Fuel (N3347P)

Battleground, WA, US

On March 17, 1984, a Piper PA 23-1300 (registration N3347P) was involved in an aviation accident near Battleground, WA. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft that had been parked for two years experienced engine failures during takeoff after the pilot drained water from the fuel. The pilot took off without a ferry permit and later landed wheels-up in a field. Water was found in all four fuel tanks.

Background

The aircraft had been parked on the ground for two years. Prior to the flight, it had been run up several times. Each fuel tank contained approximately 20 gallons of fuel. Before takeoff, the pilot checked the fuel and found some water. He drained the fuel until no water was visible. The pilot elected to ferry the aircraft to another airport for an annual inspection, which was overdue. He took off without obtaining a ferry permit.

Engine Failures

During the takeoff from runway 15, the left engine began making a popping noise and then quit running. The pilot feathered the left propeller and circled to land. He got too close to the runway to land on runway 15 again and continued around for runway 33. However, the right engine then began losing power. The pilot maneuvered to avoid trees and landed wheels-up in a field beside the airport. The right engine quit running just before the landing.

Post-Accident Findings

Water was found in all four fuel tanks.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X39176. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.