What happened
On July 15, 2025, at approximately 14:40 PDT, an experimental amateur-built Murphy Moose SR3500, registration N80TM, crashed in a mountainous, densely forested area of Olympic National Park near Quinault, Washington. The flight was being operated under 14 CFR Part 91 for personal use.
The aircraft was based at Olympia Regional Airport (OLM). On the day of the accident, the pilot performed a preflight inspection and noted no issues with the engine or airframe. After flying from Olympia to Sekiu Airport (11S) and stopping for lunch, the crew departed Sekiu for the return trip to Olympia.
Approximately 20 minutes into the flight, the pilot reported a change in engine sound accompanied by a vibration. Shortly after, the Master Caution light illuminated, and the engine suffered a total loss of power. Realizing a glide to a nearby lake was not possible, the pilot extended the flaps to slow the aircraft before impacting the terrain.
The accident resulted in 1 fatality, 1 serious injury, and 1 minor injury.
Following the impact, the pilot lost consciousness and did not regain it until several hours later. After regaining consciousness and removing the passengers from the wreckage, the pilot activated the Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) and contacted emergency services. A rescue helicopter from Naval Air Station Whidbey Island arrived at the site and successfully hoisted the occupants via long line at approximately 22:04.