On June 21, 2004, a Piper J-3 (registration N27135) was involved in an aviation accident near Glenoma, WA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the trees while maneuvering at a very low level in hilly terrain. Factors include hilly terrain, and thickly forested slopes in the area where the pilot was maneuvering. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An aircraft flying low and slow through hilly terrain near Riffe Lake made a steep banked turn and impacted trees. Post-accident inspection found no anomalies in flight controls or engine.
Accident Sequence
Shortly before the accident, the aircraft was observed flying at very low altitude and slow speed through hilly terrain just east of the east end of Riffe Lake. The airplane then executed a steeply banked turn, reversed its course, and disappeared behind a line of trees. Subsequently, it impacted several trees along the slope of a steep incline.
Inspection Findings
A post-accident inspection of the aircraft and its engine revealed no evidence of any malfunction or anomaly in the flight control system or in the operation of the engine.
Fuel Information
The aircraft had taken on 8.25 gallons of aviation fuel approximately 70 minutes prior to the accident.
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