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NTSB Report
August 4, 1988 · Stinson 108-1 · N97797
St. Charles, MI
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 4, 1988
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury), 2 uninjured
Location
St. Charles, MI
Aircraft
Stinson 108-1
Tail Number
N97797
Operator
Wend Eugene T
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
CHI88LA191
THE PILOT FAILED TO ATTAIN SUFFICIENT ALTITUDE TO CLEAR OBSTACLES DURING THE INITIAL CLIMB-OUT AND THE AIRCRAFT COLLIDED WITH TREES LOCATED OFF THE DEPARTURE END OF THE PRIVATE GRASS STRIP. THE AIRCRAFT FELL TO THE GROUND, WHERE IT CAUGHT FIRE AND WAS DESTROYED. THE TEMPERATURE REPORTED BY THE OBSERVATION FACILITY AT SAGINAW, MICHIGAN (APPROXIMATELY 15 NM NORTHEAST OF THE ACCIDENT SITE) AT ABOUT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT WAS 96 DEGREES. THE PILOT STATED THAT THE ACCIDENT MAY HAVE BEEN PREVENTED BY WAITING UNTIL IT COOLED DOWN BEFORE DEPARTING.
Full Narrative
THE PILOT FAILED TO ATTAIN SUFFICIENT ALTITUDE TO CLEAR OBSTACLES DURING THE INITIAL CLIMB-OUT AND THE AIRCRAFT COLLIDED WITH TREES LOCATED OFF THE DEPARTURE END OF THE PRIVATE GRASS STRIP. THE AIRCRAFT FELL TO THE GROUND, WHERE IT CAUGHT FIRE AND WAS DESTROYED. THE TEMPERATURE REPORTED BY THE OBSERVATION FACILITY AT SAGINAW, MICHIGAN (APPROXIMATELY 15 NM NORTHEAST OF THE ACCIDENT SITE) AT ABOUT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT WAS 96 DEGREES. THE PILOT STATED THAT THE ACCIDENT MAY HAVE BEEN PREVENTED BY WAITING UNTIL IT COOLED DOWN BEFORE DEPARTING.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:30 EDT
Nearest AirportPrivate Airstrip (0nm N)
Runway18
Runway Length2650 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireGrd
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftStinson 108-1
Tail NumberN97797
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
OperatorWend Eugene T
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsFranklin · 6A4-150-B3 · Reciprocating · 150
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury), 2 uninjured
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured2
Total3
Crew 1Age 64 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind230° @ 9 kt
Visibility5 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point70 F
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time18:52
Weather SourceWFAC