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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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NTSB Report

March 31, 2001 · Stinson 108-1 · N8158K

Redlands, CA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 31, 2001
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury)
Location
Redlands, CA
Aircraft
Stinson 108-1
Tail Number
N8158K
Operator
John Sultzbaugh
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX01LA131

Prior to taking off for the accident flight the fuel tanks had been refueled. While cruising about 13 minutes later, the pilot experienced a total loss of engine power. The pilot reported that no vibration was felt prior to the power loss. In an attempt at restoring engine power, the pilot applied the carburetor heat, changed the mixture setting, and repositioned the ignition key. None of his actions were successful, and he made a forced landing about 1.5 miles north-northeast of his destination. During the landing rollout in rough terrain, the airplane collided with a berm. The airplane was subsequently examined. During the teardown inspection of the engine and accessories, no evidence of any preimpact malfunction was noted. Both the carburetor finger screen and the gascolator fuel screen were observed clear. The magnetos were functional. The carburetor heat control worked. The reason for the non-mechanical total loss of engine power was not determined. The airplane was manufactured in 1946.

NTSB Probable Cause

A total loss of engine power during cruise flight over rough terrain for undetermined non-mechanical reasons.

Full Narrative

On March 31, 2001, about 1133 hours Pacific standard time, a Stinson 108-1, N8158K, experienced a total loss of engine power during cruise flight. The pilot made a forced landing about 1.5 miles north-northeast of the Redlands Municipal Airport, Redlands, California. During the landing rollout, the airplane collided with a dirt berm. The airplane was substantially damaged, and the private pilot was seriously injured. The personal flight was performed under 14 CFR Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The flight originated from Banning about 1120. The pilot reported to the National Transportation Safety Board investigator that he had purchased the airplane a few weeks prior to the accident flight, and he was familiar with its operation. Prior to taking off on the accident flight, both of the wing fuel tanks had been filled. The pilot also stated that no vibration was felt prior to the loss of engine power. In an attempt at restoring power, he applied the carburetor heat, changed the mixture setting, and repositioned the ignition key. However, none of his actions were successful in restoring power to his airplane's engine. Thereafter, he made a forced landing on the underlying rough terrain. A deputy sheriff responded to the accident site. The sheriff reported to the Safety Board investigator that upon arrival he observed fuel streaming from the wing tanks of the impact-damaged airplane. The airplane was manufactured in 1946. The airplane was subsequently recovered, inspected, and partially repaired by a Federal Aviation Administration certificated airframe and powerplant mechanic. The mechanic who performed the work verbally reported to the Safety Board investigator that the engine was completely torn down. No evidence of any preimpact malfunction was noted. The accessories were also examined, and no evidence of malfunction was noted. Both the carburetor finger screen and the gascolator fuel screen were observed clear. The magnetos were functional. The carburetor heat control worked. One of the propeller blades was noted bent in an aft direction indicating the crankshaft was not rotating during the impact sequence. The mechanic indicated that he could not ascertain the reason for the non-mechanical total loss of engine power.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:33 PST
Nearest AirportRiverside Municipal (1nm N)
Runway26
Runway Length4505 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftStinson 108-1
Tail NumberN8158K
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorJohn Sultzbaugh
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsFranklin · 6A4-150-B3 · Reciprocating · 150
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 59 · Third Class · Serious

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind360° @ 7 kt
Visibility25 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point57
Altimeter0
Observation Time19:50
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data