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NTSB Report
May 28, 1990 · Stinson 108-1 · N77WC
Athens, NY
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 28, 1990
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury), 1 uninjured
Location
Athens, NY
Aircraft
Stinson 108-1
Tail Number
N77WC
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
NYC90LA116
THE PILOT'S SEAT BACK BROKE JUST AFTER THE AIRPLANE BECAME AIRBORNE. THE PILOT TILTED AFT AND PULLED BACK ON THE CONTROL WHEEL. THE AIRCRAFT CLIMBED STEEPLY, TURNED RIGHT, STALLED, AND IMPACTED INVERTED. REMEDIAL ACTION WAS NOT POSSIBLE. THE FRACTURE WAS LOCATED ADJACENT TO A WELDED JUNCTION OF THE SEAT BACK ATTACH POINT. EXAMINATION REVEALED THE TUBE FRAME FAILED IN DUCTILE OVERLOAD WITH NO EVIDENCE OF CORROSION OF FATIGUE.
NTSB Probable Cause
INFLIGHT LOSS OF CONTROL DUE TO LOSS OF AIRSPEED AND SUBSEQUENT STALL WHEN THE PILOT'S SEAT BACK FAILED AND THE PILOT HUNG ONTO THE CONTROL WHEEL, RESULTING IN AN EXCESSIVE NOSE HIGH ATTITUDE.
Full Narrative
THE PILOT'S SEAT BACK BROKE JUST AFTER THE AIRPLANE BECAME AIRBORNE. THE PILOT TILTED AFT AND PULLED BACK ON THE CONTROL WHEEL. THE AIRCRAFT CLIMBED STEEPLY, TURNED RIGHT, STALLED, AND IMPACTED INVERTED. REMEDIAL ACTION WAS NOT POSSIBLE. THE FRACTURE WAS LOCATED ADJACENT TO A WELDED JUNCTION OF THE SEAT BACK ATTACH POINT. EXAMINATION REVEALED THE TUBE FRAME FAILED IN DUCTILE OVERLOAD WITH NO EVIDENCE OF CORROSION OF FATIGUE.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:45 EDT
Nearest AirportATHENS (0nm N)
Runway20
Runway Length2600 ft
Runway Width60 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftStinson 108-1
Tail NumberN77WC
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsFranklin · 6A4-150 · Reciprocating · 150
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury), 1 uninjured
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total2
Crew 1Age 44 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point70 F / 0 C
Altimeter0
Observation Time11:30
Weather SourcePILO