December 8, 2011, Coupeville, Wash., Piper PA-28R-200 Arrow

The airplane sustained substantial damage during a forced landing at about 1557 Pacific time. The solo private pilot sustained fatal injuries. Visual conditions prevailed. A pilot-rated witness adjacent to the accident site observed the airplane at low altitude. The witness did not hear the engine and watched the airplane impact terrain just below the ridge line of a bluff and erupt into flames.

Editorial Staff

Wednesday, January 25, 2012 at 12:00 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

A private pilot sustained fatal injuries during a forced landing that caused substantial damage to the airplane.
A witness observed the low-flying aircraft with no engine sound just before it impacted terrain and erupted into flames.
A post-accident fire consumed the fuselage and inner wing sections, though all major structural components were found within 100 feet of the main wreckage.

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The airplane sustained substantial damage during a forced landing at about 1557 Pacific time. The solo private pilot sustained fatal injuries. Visual conditions prevailed.

A pilot-rated witness adjacent to the accident site observed the airplane at low altitude. The witness did not hear the engine and watched the airplane impact terrain just below the ridge line of a bluff and erupt into flames. All major structural components were located within about 100 feet of the main wreckage. A post-accident fire consumed the fuselage and inboard portions of both wings.