Accident Overview
On July 15, 2025, at approximately 1440 Pacific daylight time, an experimental amateur-built Murphy Moose SR3500 airplane, registration N80TM, sustained substantial damage following a crash near Quinault, Washington. The aircraft was operated as a personal flight under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91.
Aircraft History and Modification
The airplane was originally constructed in Canada with a Vedeneyev M14P radial engine. It was imported into the United States in November 2023 and subsequently modified to accommodate a Pratt & Whitney Canada T-74 (PT6A-20) engine. The pilot purchased the aircraft in September 2024.
Flight Details
The airplane was based at Olympia Regional Airport (OLM) in Olympia, Washington. On the morning of the accident, the pilot conducted a preflight inspection and noted no anomalies with the airframe or engine. The pilot and two passengers departed for Sekiu Airport (11S) in Sekiu, Washington. After having lunch there, they began the return flight to OLM.
Engine Failure and Impact
Approximately 20 minutes after departure from 11S, the pilot reported the engine sound changed and a “weird vibration” developed. Shortly thereafter, the Master Caution light illuminated, and the engine experienced a total loss of power. Realizing he could not glide to a nearby lake, the pilot extended the flaps to slow the airplane in preparation for a forced landing. The aircraft subsequently impacted densely forested, mountainous terrain within Olympic National Park.
Post-Accident Events
The pilot lost consciousness during the accident and did not regain it until hours later. After extricating the passengers from the wreckage, he manually activated the Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) and called 911. Olympic Park Dispatch was notified of the call at about 1840. The accident site was determined to be unreachable by foot, and a rescue helicopter from Naval Air Station Whidbey Island was dispatched at approximately 1915. At about 2204, dispatch reported that all three occupants had been hoisted into the helicopter via long line.
Injuries and Wreckage
The pilot sustained minor injuries, one passenger suffered serious injuries, and another passenger was fatally injured. The wreckage has been retained for further examination.