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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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January 20, 1997 · Stinson 108 · N97108

Winter Haven, FL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
January 20, 1997
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Winter Haven, FL
Aircraft
Stinson 108
Tail Number
N97108
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
MIA97LA068

The pilot stated the engine sputtered and quit while descending through 2,000 feet agl for approach to land. He was not using carburetor heat and had reduced the engine to 2,100 rpm. While landing in a field the aircraft struck trees. After the accident, usable fuel was found in each fuel tank and there was no contamination in the fuel. The engine was started and operated normally. The carburetor heat operated normally. Icing probability curves show the aircraft was operating in conditions conducive to serious icing at glide power and visible icing at glide and cruise power.

NTSB Probable Cause

Failure of the pilot to use carburetor heat for descent resulting in engine failure due to carburetor induction icing.

Full Narrative

On January 20, 1997, about 1641 eastern standard time, a Stinson 108, N97108, registered to a private individual, collided with trees while making a forced landing following loss of engine power, at Winter Haven, Florida, while on a Title 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The aircraft received substantial damage and the private-rated pilot was not injured. The flight last departed Palmetto, Florida, the same day, about 1610. The pilot stated he was not using carburetor heat as he descended with the engine set at 2,100 rpm. The engine "sputtered" and quit as he descended through 2,000 feet, 2 miles from the Winter Haven Airport. He did not think he could reach the airport and headed for a field. While making a forced landing in the field the aircraft struck trees. Postcrash examination of the aircraft by an FAA inspector showed that each fuel tank contained usable fuel. There was no contamination in the fuel system. After the aircraft was recovered from the crash site, the engine was started and operated normally with no evidence of failure or malfunction. The carburetor heat system operated normally. Carburetor icing probability curves indicate the aircraft was operating in conditions conducive to serious carburetor icing at glide power and visible carburetor icing at glide and cruise power. The curves note that visible icing may become serious after 15 minutes. See Icing Probability Curves attached to this report.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:41 EST
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftStinson 108
Tail NumberN97108
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsFranklin · 6A4-150-B3 · Reciprocating · 150
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 36 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind270° @ 6 kt
Visibility20 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point64 F / 39 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time19:50
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data