NTSB Factual Report

On October 30, 2017, about 1150 Pacific daylight time, N72399, a Cessna 140, was substantially damaged following a total loss of engine power and subsequent forced landing about 0.4 nautical miles east-southeast of the Port Townsend/Jefferson County International Airport (0S9), Port Townsend, Washington. The commercial pilot, the sole occupant, sustained minor injuries. The local flight was being operated in accordance with 14 Code of Federal Regulation Part 91, and a flight plan was not filed. The flight originated from 0S9 about 20 minutes prior to the accident.

In a telephone interview with the National Transportation Safety Board investigator-in-charge on the day following the accident, the pilot reported that he had purchased the airplane two days prior to the accident, October 28th. He then flew it briefly on both October 28th and October 29th, at which time he observed no issues with the airplane. The pilot stated that on the morning of the accident and during the preflight inspection of the airplane, the left fuel tank was full, 12 gallons, and the right fuel tank had 8 gallons remaining; the fuel selector was in the right tank position for takeoff. The pilot further stated that during the engine runup everything checked out normal, after which he departed on runway 09 to do some touch-and-go takeoffs and landings. Having completed three takeoffs and landings and during initial climb on the fourth takeoff, and at an altitude of about 200 feet above ground level, the engine lost power, then completely quit. The pilot stated that he immediately switched over from the right tank to the left tank position, however, at such a low altitude he did not have time to attempt a restart of the engine. During the forced landing, the pilot impacted a stand of trees before coming to rest on the ground and on its left side. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing and fuselage.

The airplane was recovered to secured storage facility for further examination.