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NTSB Report
July 24, 1982 · Stinson 108-1 · N97904
Laporte, IN
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 24, 1982
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Laporte, IN
Aircraft
Stinson 108-1
Tail Number
N97904
Operator
Robert R Swank
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI82DA272
THE PILOT/MECHANIC WAS PREPARING TO MAKE AN ANNUAL INSPECTION OF THE AIRCRAFT. HE WAS IN THE PROCESS OF FLIGHT TESTING THE PLANE TO FIND DEFECTS WHEN ENGINE STOPPAGE OCCURRED. WHILE LANDING IN A BEAN FIELD. THE LEFT TIRE BLEW OUT AND THE LEFT GEAR DUG INTO THE SOIL AND COLLAPSED. AN EXAMINATION OF THE AIRCRAFT REVEALED THAT THE FUEL SELECTOR WAS POSITIONED TO THE LEFT TANK WHICH WAS EMPTY. THE RIGHT TANK STILL CONTAINED ABOUT 13 GALLONS OF FUEL. THE PILOT STATED THAT THE OWNER HAD NOT ADVISED HIM THAT THE FUEL QUANTITY GAUGES WERE NOT READING CORRECTLY. HE REPORTED THAT THE GAUGES INDICATED 3/4 FULL WHEN HE INITIALLY TOOK OFF AND THAT THE ENGINE LOST POWER A SHORT TIME LATER. ALSO, HE REPORTED THAT HE FORGOT TO SWITCH FUEL TANKS AFTER HE LOST ENGINE POWER.
Full Narrative
THE PILOT/MECHANIC WAS PREPARING TO MAKE AN ANNUAL INSPECTION OF THE AIRCRAFT. HE WAS IN THE PROCESS OF FLIGHT TESTING THE PLANE TO FIND DEFECTS WHEN ENGINE STOPPAGE OCCURRED. WHILE LANDING IN A BEAN FIELD. THE LEFT TIRE BLEW OUT AND THE LEFT GEAR DUG INTO THE SOIL AND COLLAPSED. AN EXAMINATION OF THE AIRCRAFT REVEALED THAT THE FUEL SELECTOR WAS POSITIONED TO THE LEFT TANK WHICH WAS EMPTY. THE RIGHT TANK STILL CONTAINED ABOUT 13 GALLONS OF FUEL. THE PILOT STATED THAT THE OWNER HAD NOT ADVISED HIM THAT THE FUEL QUANTITY GAUGES WERE NOT READING CORRECTLY. HE REPORTED THAT THE GAUGES INDICATED 3/4 FULL WHEN HE INITIALLY TOOK OFF AND THAT THE ENGINE LOST POWER A SHORT TIME LATER. ALSO, HE REPORTED THAT HE FORGOT TO SWITCH FUEL TANKS AFTER HE LOST ENGINE POWER.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:45 EDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftStinson 108-1
Tail NumberN97904
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorRobert R Swank
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsFranklin · 64A-150-B3 · Reciprocating · 150
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 36 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility15 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point18 C / 0 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg