ARLINGTON, WA, USA
N9775N
BOTTERON Q-2
A MECHANIC, WHO WAS NOT CERTIFICATED AS A PILOT, STATED THAT HE ELECTED TO FLY THE AIRPLANE AFTER PERFORMING MAINTENANCE FOR THE OWNER. REPORTEDLY, HE HAD THE OWNER'S CONSENT TO FLIGHT CHECK THE AIRPLANE; HOWEVER, THE OWNER WAS NOT AWARE THAT THE MECHANIC WAS NOT A CERTIFICATED PILOT. WITNESSES REPORTED THAT SHORTLY AFTER THE AIRPLANE TOOK OFF, THE ENGINE BEGAN TO SPUTTER. THE AIRPLANE MADE A RIGHT TURN IN THE PATTERN AND CONTINUED TO A LOW PASS OVER THE RUNWAY. THE ENGINE THEN LOST POWER, AND THE NONPILOT-RATED MECHANIC MADE A HARD LANDING ON A CLOSED RUNWAY. AFTER THE ACCIDENT, HE WAS ASKED TO TAKE A BREATHALYZER TEST. THE TEST INDICATED A 0.16% BLOOD/ALCOHOL LEVEL. INSPECTION OF THE WRECKAGE AND ENGINE REVEALED ONLY A SMALL AMOUNT OF FUEL IN THE FUEL SYSTEM. NO MECHANICAL FAILURE OR MALFUNCTION WAS FOUND THAT WOULD HAVE RESULTED IN THE LOSS OF POWER.
On July 13, 1995, at 1930 Pacific daylight time, an experimental Terry L. Botteron, Q-2, N9775N, experienced a loss of engine power shortly after takeoff from the Arlington Airport, Arlington, Washington. During the forced landing, the airplane landed hard on the runway. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The airplane was substantially damaged and the non-certificated pilot was not injured. During an interview with the local police department and a Federal Aviation Administration Inspector from the Renton, Washington Flight Standards District Office, the pilot reported that he did not have a pilot's certificate and stated that the purpose of the flight was to test the airplane after performing maintenance. Witnesses reported that shortly after the airplane took off, the engine began to sputter. The airplane made a right turn in the pattern and then made a low pass over the runway. The engine then quit, caught for a short time, then quit again. The pilot landed the airplane on a closed runway. During the landing, the airplane landed hard, collapsed the gear and skidded 81 yards before coming to a stop. The police department performed a breathalyzer test which indicated .16 B.A.C. A Federal Aviation Administration Inspector and two local mechanics inspected the airplane after the accident. The Inspector reported that the fuel tanks had been ruptured, however, there was no evidence of a fuel spill. The fuel lines and fuel filter were inspected and only a small amount of fuel was present. No evidence was found to indicate a mechanical failure or malfunction.
THE NONPILOT-RATED MECHANIC'S IMPAIRMENT OF JUDGMENT AND PERFORMANCE DUE TO ALCOHOL; IMPROPER DECISION BY THE MECHANIC (UNQUALIFIED PERSON) TO FLIGHT CHECK THE AIRPLANE; AND FUEL EXHAUSTION AFTER TAKEOFF, DUE TO AN INADEQUATE SUPPLY OF FUEL.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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