Amateur-built GLASAIR accident near Everett, Washington, October 1, 2026

The NTSB's narrative preliminary · quoted from the NTSB record

On October 1, 2026, about 1450 Pacific daylight time, an experimental amateur built Glasair FT airplane, N314SR, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Everett, Washington. The pilot was fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. According to friends of the pilot, before departure from Snohomish County Airport, Everett, Washington (KPAE) the pilot removed the upper and lower engine cowling to replace the exhaust gas temperature probe and Hobbs meter. FAA ADS-B data did not capture the accident flight. Video of the departure showed the airplane take off from runway 34L and begin rolling left almost immediately after liftoff. During the initial climb, the left bank continued to steepen until the airplane disappeared from view into trees west of the runway. A witness reported that the airplane initially appeared level and climbed at a normal rate. Within a few seconds, it entered a left bank that became substantially steeper than a normal departure turn. The witness estimated that the airplane climbed no higher than about 100 to 150 ft above ground level and described the turn as smooth rather than abrupt or erratic. The airplane remained in the banked turn until it disappeared behind trees. The witness did not observe the impact and did not recall unusual engine sounds, smoke, or components separating from the airplane before it disappeared from view. Another witness reported seeing the airplane about 50 to 60 ft above ground level in a steep left bank over the west side of the airport. The airplane continued in the banked turn until it disappeared into a wooded area. The controller reported hearing an unintelligible radio transmission that appeared to be from the pilot during the turn. The controller stated that the engine sounded normal before it disappeared from view. The main wreckage was located in a wooded area about 1,100 ft west of runway 34L and exhibited extensive impact and fire damage. The first identified point of impact was a tree crown that had separated about 75 ft above ground level, about 150 ft northeast of the main wreckage. The left wingtip was located beneath this tree strike, and additional material from the left wing was distributed between that location and the main wreckage. Both ailerons were present and exhibited thermal damage. Examination established flight control continuity from the control stick to the right aileron and to portions of the left aileron control system. An intermediate section of the left aileron push-pull tube had separated and was thermally damaged. The forward and aft wing spars were significantly damaged in that area. Elevator control continuity was established from the control stick to behind the seat. Thermal damage aft of that location precluded confirmation of continuity to the elevator. The rudder cables were continuous to the bell crank, which remained connected to the pushrod associated with the rudder. The flap handle was engaged in the third of four detents. The fuel selector handle was found in the wing tank position. The throttle and mixture controls were fully forward, the primer was pushed in and locked, and the ignition switch was in the BOTH position. The engine was rotated manually using the propeller. Rotational continuity to the magnetos and valve train movement were established, and thumb compression and suction were obtained on all four cylinders. Cylinder No. 1 was removed, and the exposed internal components exhibited no visible anomalies. Both magnetos exhibited thermal damage and water/foam intrusion; normal operation of both magnetos was not verified. The carburetor bowl was separated from the upper assembly, and the floats were deformed. The wreckage was retained for further examination.

The complete narrative as the NTSB published it. The NTSB's docket holds the report as a PDF and any photographs, statements and other documents from the investigation.