Probable cause
Loss of engine power during takeoff for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination of the airframe and engine did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that during takeoff for the local flight, the engine lost power. A witness reported that shortly after takeoff, the airplane descended and collided with a tree located off the departure end of the runway then impacted terrain. A postaccident examination of the engine revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR12LA318 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 21, 2012
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Snohomish, Washington
- Nearest airport
- Harvey Field Airport (S43)
- Highest injury
- Serious
- Serious injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Republic RC-3
- N-number
- N87521
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.