Event LAX98LA207

Factual narrative

On June 20, 1998, about 1015 hours mountain standard time, a vintage Naval Aircraft Factory, N3N-3, N45053, was destroyed while maneuvering near Skull Valley, Arizona. Both pilots received serious injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal flight operated under 14 CFR Part 91 and no flight plan was filed. The flight originated at Prescott, Arizona, at 0930. The aircraft had recently returned to service after a complete restoration. During a telephone interview of the owner/pilot on July 6, 1998, he stated that the aircraft had accumulated 19 flight hours since the restoration. He further stated that the aircraft and engine were operating normally and were not the cause of the accident. The pilot did not return the Safety Board's Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, form 6120.1/2. He did provide copies of restoration and modification, FAA Form 337, and other approvals, which are attached to this report. The aircraft had recently been returned to service after a complete restoration. According to the owner/pilot the airplane had accumulated 19 flight hours since the restoration. He stated that the aircraft and the engine were operating normally and were not the cause of the accident. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database (Pre-2008 Archive) Retrieved: 2026-02-12