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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

May 16, 1994 · Stinson 108-2 · N9761K

Kettle River, MN

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 16, 1994
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Kettle River, MN
Aircraft
Stinson 108-2
Tail Number
N9761K
Operator
Steven J Korhonen
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI94LA163

THE PILOT REPORTED THE ENGINE LOST RPM, SPUTTERED AND STOPPED ABOUT 10-12 SECONDS AFTER TAKEOFF. THE AIRPLANE STRUCK SOME TREES DURING THE FORCED LANDING. FAA INSPECTORS WHO EXAMINED THE AIRPLANE COULD FIND NO ENGINE ANOMALY WHICH WOULD CAUSE A LOSS OF POWER. THE TEMPERATURE WAS 51 DEGREES, AND THE DEW POINT WAS 43 DEGREES. THESE TEMPERATURE/DEW POINT CONDITIONS ARE FAVORABLE FOR SERIOUS CARBURETOR ICING. THE PILOT STATED HE DID A CARBURETOR HEAT CHECK ON RUN-UP. THE FAA INSPECTOR WHO EXAMINED THE WRECKAGE REPORTED THE CARBURETOR HEAT WAS IN THE 'OFF' POSITION.

NTSB Probable Cause

THE PILOT'S IMPROPER USE OF CARBURETOR HEAT AND THE LACK OF SUITABLE TERRAIN FOR A FORCED LANDING. THE CARBURETOR ICING WEATHER CONDITION WAS A FACTOR.

Full Narrative

On May 15, 1994, about 2000 central daylight time, a Stinson 108- 2, N9761K, experienced a loss of engine power during takeoff from a private airstrip near Kettle River, Minnesota. The airplane sustained substantial damage when it struck some trees in the forced landing. The private pilot was not injured. No flight plan was filed for the personal flight, and visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time. The pilot stated the engine rpm dropped about 10-12 seconds after lift off, then the engine started sputtering and stopped. Federal Aviation Administration Inspectors who examined the wreckage reported the carburetor and intake manifold were damaged by ground impact. They were not able to determine if the fuel contained any contaminates. The Inspectors stated they were not able to find any engine malfunctions. The temperature was 51 degrees F., and the dew point was 43 degrees F. The pilot stated he checked the operation of the carburetor heat during his pre- takeoff engine run-up. The FAA inspector who examined the wreckage reported the carburetor heat was in the OFF position.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time20:00 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftStinson 108-2
Tail NumberN9761K
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorSteven J Korhonen
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsFranklin · 165-B3 · Reciprocating · 165
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 30 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind7 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingOvercast 3400 ft
Temperature / Dew Point52 / 43 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time01:15
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data