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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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NTSB Report

February 21, 1999 · Stinson 108-3 · N6191M

Bristol, CT

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
February 21, 1999
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Bristol, CT
Aircraft
Stinson 108-3
Tail Number
N6191M
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
NYC99LA065

The pilot stated that he heard a loud noise accompanied by a loss of engine power. A forced landing was executed to a field. Inspection of the engine after the accident revealed two holes in the top of the engine crankcase. The number 3 piston, and it's connecting rod and bolts, were removed from the engine and examined. One of the connecting rod bolts contained microfissures typical of fatigue cracking on the head portion of the bolt. The fatigue cracking had initiated from multiple locations on one side of the underhead radius, and had propagated nearly all of the way through the cross section of the bolt before final separation. A review of the Airplane Engine logbooks revealed that the last Major overhaul was conducted on March 3, 1965.

NTSB Probable Cause

The partial loss of power due to the failure of a fatigued connecting rod bolt.

Full Narrative

On February 21, 1999, about 1158 Eastern Standard Time, a Stinson 108-3, N6191M, was substantially damaged when it impacted the ground during a forced landing near Bristol, Connecticut. The certificated private pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the personal flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. The pilot stated he had just terminated communications and radar services from the Bradley Windsor Locks TRACON, when he heard a loud noise accompanied by a loss of power. The pilot began a left-hand turn to search for a place to land. The pilot then transmitted to the radar controller that he was declaring an emergency and landing the airplane into a field. The field had an approximate length of 1,000 feet. As the airplane approached the field heading north, the pilot shut the engine down and was unable to slow the airspeed enough to make a landing at the beginning of the field. Approximately 400 feet from a tree line at the end of the field, the main wheels touched down and the pilot applied braking. Due to the excessive speed the airplane was light on it's wheels and the brakes were ineffective. The pilot attempted to turn to the left to avoid the tree line, but struck three small trees. The airplane came to rest in an upright position facing east. An inspection of the engine by the Federal Aviation Administration revealed two holes in the top of the engine crankcase. The engine was retained, and examined on March 12, 1999. The number 3 and 4 cylinders were damaged extensively, and removed from the crankcase. The Number 3 piston and connecting rod were found separated from the crankshaft. The connecting rod bolts were found in the oil sump pan. The number four piston and connecting rod remained connected to the crankshaft, and exhibited metal pinging on the piston skirt and rod. The connecting rod bolts were attached to the rod. The number 3 piston, and it's connecting rod and bolts, were forwarded to the National Transportation Safety Board Materials Laboratory, Washington, DC, for examination. According to the Metallurgist's Factual Report, one of the connecting rod bolts contained microfissures typical of fatigue cracking on the head portion of the bolt. The fatigue cracking initiated from multiple locations on one side of the underhead radius, and had propagated nearly all of the way through the cross section of the bolt before final separation. A review of the Airplane Engine logbooks revealed that the last Major overhaul was conducted on March 3, 1965, with a recorded total time of 1,612 hours. The pilot reported a total airframe time of 2,593 hours at the time of the accident.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:58 EST
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftStinson 108-3
Tail NumberN6191M
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsFranklin · 6A4-165-B3 · Reciprocating · 165
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 53 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind360° @ 9 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 3800 ft
Temperature / Dew Point34 C / 18 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time16:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data