Pilot Debrief

Stinson 108 near Caldwell, ID — 2019-06-27

Final reportWPR19LA179
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Date
2019-06-27
Location
Caldwell, ID, USA
Airport
EUL
Aircraft
Stinson 108
Registration
N6116M
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Maneuvering

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power during approach due to a failed piston. The reason for the piston failure could not be determined based on the available information.

NTSB narrative

The pilot was practicing takeoffs and landings in the airport traffic pattern when the engine lost all power as he was turning onto the base leg of the pattern. He turned the airplane toward final approach, but it landed hard short of the runway, struck an airport perimeter fence, and nosed over, coming to rest inverted. A postaccident examination of the airplane revealed metallic debris on the oil dipstick tube and cap, with significant oil residue on the belly of the airplane. The pilot, who performed the engine overhaul 25 hours before the accident flight, performed a cursory examination following the accident and found a broken piston and metal fragments in the intake tubes that caused the intake valves to stick open. The cause of the piston failure could not be determined based on the available information.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Mechanical failure
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have sought professional maintenance for the engine overhaul.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 7 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents7

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