WIX Archives

NTSB Prelim on Boeing 307

Posted by Paul Coggan on Tue Apr 02, 2002 02:23:09 PM

NTSB Identification: SEA02FA060

Accident occurred Thursday, March 28, 2002 at
Seattle, WA Aircraft:Boeing S-307, registration:
N19903
Injuries: 4 Uninjured.

This is preliminary information, subject to change, and may contain errors. Any errors in this report will be corrected when the final report has been completed.

On March 28, 2002, approximately 1305 Pacific standard time, a Boeing S-307 Stratoliner, N19903, registered to the National Air & Space Museum, operated by The Boeing Company, as a 14 CFR Part 91
maintenance and proficiency flight, ditched in the waters of Elliott Bay, Seattle, Washington, following a loss of engine power.

Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The two airline transport pilots and two flight engineers were not injured. The flight departed from Everett, Washington, and was destined
for Seattle, Washington. During an interview, the flight crew reported that the purpose of the flight was for maintenance/systems checks and crew proficiency. The flight departed from Boeing Field (BFI), Seattle,
approximately 1230 en route to Everett, Paine Field (PAE). The Captain reported that he made a full stop landing at PAE without incident. The aircraft was taxied back to the runway and the takeoff was initiated. Shortly after liftoff, the number three engine experienced a momentary surge, then normalized. Due to this anomaly, the flight crew decided to discontinue the flight activities and return to BFI. In preparation for landing at BFI, the landing gear was lowered, however, the left main gear did not fully extend. The approach
was aborted to orbit the area to try and remedy the
situation. The Captain reported that the flight engineer at the radio station, left his station to try and manually hand-crank the left geardown. After a few minutes, the flight crew reported a green (fully extended) light for the left main. The flight then headed back to BFI when a low fuel pressure light was noted for the number three engine followed by a loss of power. The flight crew feathered the engine when low fuel pressure was noted to the remaining three engines which all subsequently began to lose power. The Captain
reported that he did not believe that the aircraft could make it safely to BFI and opted to ditch the aircraft in Elliott Bay near the shoreline. The aircraft impacted the water in a slightly right wing low, level attitude and remained upright. The aircraft remained afloat
and all four flight crewmembers safely exited the aircraft and were rescued within minutes of the accident.

report ends

Follow Ups: