Pilot Debrief

STINSON 108 near Wildwood, AR — 2021-10-08

Final reportCEN22LA012
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Date
2021-10-08
Location
Wildwood, AR, USA
Aircraft
STINSON 108
Registration
N677JD
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Cruise

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that after leveling off from a descent and applying power, the engine began to lose power intermittently. Shortly thereafter, the engine lost all power and could not be restored. During a forced landing, the airplane impacted a tree, resulting in substantial damage to the fuselage and left wing. About 10 minutes before the descent, the pilot switched from the right fuel tank to the left fuel tank, which contained about 13 gallons of fuel. Although a postaccident examination revealed a worn piston and cylinder, no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies were discovered that would have precluded normal operation. Fuel was available to the engine as evidenced by the injector pump function, no air obstructions were noted, and both magnetos produced bright blue spark when tested.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have checked fuel levels before switching tanks to prevent power loss.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents4

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