Pilot Debrief

Stinson 108 near Clinton, AR — 2019-07-13

Final reportCEN19LA222
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Date
2019-07-13
Location
Clinton, AR, USA
Airport
CCA
Aircraft
Stinson 108
Registration
N9651K
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

A partial loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.

NTSB narrative

The airplane had been stored in a hangar and not flown for 3 years. On the day of the accident, the pilot departed on a flight to a nearby airport, where he added 100 low-lead aviation fuel to the automotive fuel already contained in the wing tanks and subsequently departed on the return flight. About 150 ft above ground level after takeoff, the engine lost partial power. The airplane descended and impacted terrain, resulting in substantial damage to the left wing and fuselage. A fuel sample from the carburetor revealed some contamination; however, the contaminant was not identified. Although it is possible that the loss of engine power was the result of fuel contamination, the engine was not examined following the accident and a mechanical failure could not be ruled out; therefore, the reason for the partial loss of engine power could not be determined based on the available information.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Fuel management
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have checked fuel quality before departure.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents3

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