Introduction
On July 6, 2024, at about 2122 Pacific daylight time, a Champion 7GCBC, registration N3464D, was substantially damaged in an accident near Swanson Airport (2W3) in Eatonville, Washington. The pilot and passenger were fatally injured. The airplane was being operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.
Witness Accounts
A witness located about 500 ft southwest of the departure end of runway 16 at 2W3 reported hearing the airplane perform an engine run-up and then take off. The airplane overflew his position at an altitude lower than expected. After the airplane left his line of sight, he heard the engine “cut out,” followed by the sound of a crash.
Two additional witnesses, about 1,900 ft northwest of the accident site, observed the airplane flying southbound. Both described the airplane as about 10 ft above the treetops and lower than an adjacent ridgeline. They noted the airplane was slow with a nose-high attitude, and the engine was producing smooth, continuous power. The airplane then turned left, rolled inverted, and disappeared below a tree canopy. The engine sound stopped before impact.
Accident Site and Wreckage
The airplane came to rest in a nose-down attitude in a forested area about 0.5 nm south of the departure end of runway 16. All major components were accounted for. The airplane exhibited extensive impact damage and aft crush deformation to the forward fuselage and leading edges of both wings. Wings remained partially attached; the tail section was folded upward and left. Both engine and propeller were buried in the ground beneath the wreckage.
The accident site elevation was 803 ft msl, with rising mountainous terrain to the south and east varying between 1,200 and 1,400 ft msl.
The wreckage was recovered to a secure location for further examination.