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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 6, 2000 · Stinson 108-3 · N6905M

Socorro, NM

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 6, 2000
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Socorro, NM
Aircraft
Stinson 108-3
Tail Number
N6905M
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
FTW00LA139

The pilot aborted the first takeoff on runway 24 because he felt that the engine was not developing power. Subsequently, he taxied the airplane to runway 15, leaned the engine for the density altitude conditions, and initiated the takeoff roll on the 5,800-foot runway. The pilot determined that the airplane wasn't developing adequate speed for takeoff, and he aborted the second takeoff. The airplane veered off the right side of runway 15 and groundlooped. Winds were reported from 210 degrees at 7 knots with a temperature of 91 degrees Fahrenheit. The density altitude was calculated as 8,000 feet. No mechanical discrepancies were reported.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the aborted takeoff, which resulted in an inadvertent groundloop.

Full Narrative

On May 6, 2000, at 1300 mountain daylight time, a Stinson 108-3, tailwheel equipped airplane, N6905M, groundlooped during an aborted takeoff at the Socorro Municipal Airport, near Socorro, New Mexico. The airplane was owned and operated by the pilot under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. The commercial pilot, sole occupant, was not injured, and the airplane sustained substantial damage. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the planned cross-country flight, and a flight plan was not filed. The flight was originating at the time of the accident. The pilot reported that he was flying the airplane from the state of California to the state of Michigan. The previous leg of the flight was from Cottonwood, Arizona, to Socorro. After refueling at Socorro, the pilot aborted the first takeoff on runway 24 because he felt that the engine was not developing power. Subsequently, he "taxied the airplane to runway 15, leaned the engine for the density altitude conditions, and initiated the takeoff roll on the 5,800-foot runway." On the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2), the pilot stated that he "determined [he] wasn't going to develop adequate speed for takeoff." He aborted the second takeoff; however, he "couldn't control the aircraft to a straight stop." The airplane veered off the right side of runway 15 and groundlooped. The left wing spars and the left wing strut attachment point sustained structural damage. The propeller, engine cowling, and tailwheel spring were damaged. The pilot reported the wind from 210 degrees at 7 knots and a temperature of 91 degrees Fahrenheit. At 1256, the surface weather observation facility at Albuquerque, New Mexico, (60 nautical miles south of Socorro) reported the wind from 280 degrees at 16 knots gusting to 21 knots, temperature at 29 degrees centigrade (84.2 degrees Fahrenheit), and an altimeter setting of 30.04 inches Mercury. The density altitude was calculated as 8,000 feet. The FAA inspector examined the airplane at the accident site. No mechanical discrepancies were found that would have contributed to the accident.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:00 MDT
Nearest AirportSocorro Municipal (0nm)
Runway15
Runway Length5841 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftStinson 108-3
Tail NumberN6905M
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 60 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind240° @ 7 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data