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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

July 5, 2001 · Stinson 108-3 · N6647M

Friendly, MD

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 5, 2001
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (1 serious injury, 1 minor injury)
Location
Friendly, MD
Aircraft
Stinson 108-3
Tail Number
N6647M
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
NYC01LA164

The pilot started the engine, taxied to runway 24, and performed a magneto check. No anomalies were observed, and he initiated a takeoff roll. However, the engine began to run rough, and the pilot aborted the takeoff. He then ran the engine at different RPM, and performed a second satisfactory magneto check. During the second takeoff roll, the engine ran rough again, and the pilot aborted the takeoff. The pilot then let the engine run for 5 minutes at different RPM, and it passed a third magneto check. On the third takeoff attempt, the engine "had good power," but as the airplane climbed above the trees, the engine lost all power and the pilot performed a forced landing into trees. Examination of the wreckage revealed that the right-side muffler baffling was mostly disintegrated, consistent with a baffling failure and subsequent blockage of the engine exhaust. The muffler baffling was required to be inspected for cracks and wear during the annual inspection of the airplane. The last annual inspection of the airplane was performed about 3 months and 2 weeks prior to the accident, and the airplane had accumulated approximately 28 hours of operation since that inspection.

NTSB Probable Cause

A baffling failure within the exhaust system. Factors were an inadequate annual inspection and the pilot's operation of the airplane with known deficiencies in equipment.

Full Narrative

On July 5, 2001, about 1100 eastern daylight time, a Stinson 108-3, N6647M, was substantially damaged during a forced landing, after takeoff from Potomac Airfield (VKX), Friendly, Maryland. The certificated private pilot sustained minor injuries, and the passenger was seriously injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the personal conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. The pilot reported that he purchased fuel at VKX, and intended to return to his home airport, Washington Executive Airport (W32), Clinton, Maryland, located about 2 miles to the east. The pilot added that he started the engine, taxied to runway 24, and performed a magneto check. No anomalies were observed, and the pilot initiated a takeoff roll. However, the engine began to run rough, and the pilot aborted the takeoff. He then ran the engine at different RPM, and performed a second satisfactory magneto check. During the second takeoff roll, the engine ran rough again, and the pilot aborted the takeoff. The pilot then let the engine run for 5 minutes at different RPM, and it passed a third magneto check. On the third takeoff attempt, the engine "had good power," but as the airplane climbed above the trees, the engine lost all power. The pilot performed a forced landing into trees, and the airplane settled to the ground in a wooded area. A Safety Board investigator and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector examined the engine after the wreckage was recovered. They observed that the right-side muffler baffling was mostly disintegrated, consistent with a baffling failure and subsequent blockage of the engine exhaust. The FAA inspector stated that the muffler was manufactured by Hanlon Wilson Muffler Systems, and the baffling was required to be inspected for cracks and wear during the annual inspection of the airplane. The last annual inspection of the airplane was performed on March 22, 2001, and the airplane had accumulated approximately 28 hours of operation since that inspection.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:00 EDT
Nearest AirportPotomac Airfield (1nm WSW)
Runway24
Runway Length2665 ft
Runway Width40 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftStinson 108-3
Tail NumberN6647M
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsFranklin · 6A4165 · Reciprocating · 165
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (1 serious injury, 1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 45 · First Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind250° @ 7 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point66 F
Altimeter29.89 inHg
Observation Time14:51
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data