Casualties unknown

Hard Landing in Rye Field After Loss of Power Following Annual Inspection (N8370H)

Shelton, WA, US

On August 23, 1988, a Piper J3C-65 (registration N8370H) was involved in an aviation accident near Shelton, 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

A pilot ferrying an aircraft home after an annual inspection experienced a complete loss of power and landed in a rye field, resulting in a hard landing. Investigation found a broken fuel fitting.

Incident Summary

While ferrying an aircraft to its home base after an annual inspection, the pilot reported a complete loss of power during cruise flight. The pilot subsequently landed in a small field planted with rye crop. According to the pilot, the confined size of the field prevented a normal approach, and the aircraft made a hard landing.

Investigation Findings

Post-accident examination identified that the fuel fitting connecting to the carburetor had fractured in flight. Fuel stains were discovered along the lower portion of the fuselage, and the carburetor contained no fuel. Further inspection of the engine revealed that the fitting had been deformed at some prior point. The aircraft's maintenance records indicated that the fitting had been adjusted during the annual inspection.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X26721. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.