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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

October 21, 2004 · Stinson 108-2 · N425C

Indian River, MI

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 21, 2004
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury)
Location
Indian River, MI
Aircraft
Stinson 108-2
Tail Number
N425C
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI05LA013

The airplane was substantially damaged and the pilot seriously injured during a forced landing following a complete loss of engine power on initial climb after takeoff. The pilot reported that he took off and reached an altitude of approximately 800 feet above ground level (agl) when the engine lost power completely. In order to avoid an urban area and interstate highway ahead, he elected to make a 180-degree turn and return to the airport. The pilot reported that after the turn the aircraft was not in a proper position to land on the runway. The aircraft landed on the airport and came to rest inverted approximately 560 feet from the runway. A post-accident examination did not reveal any anomalies associated with a pre-impact failure.

NTSB Probable Cause

Loss of engine power during initial climb after takeoff for undetermined reasons. A contributing factor was the unsuitable terrain for a forced landing encountered by the pilot and the airplane's low altitude at the time engine power was lost.

Full Narrative

On October 21, 2004, about 1627 eastern daylight time, a Stinson 108-2, N425C, piloted by a student pilot, was substantially damaged during a forced landing following a loss of engine power after takeoff at the Calvin Campbell Municipal Airport (Y65), Indian River, Michigan. The flight was operating under 14 CFR Part 91 without a flight plan. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The pilot sustained serious injuries. The intended destination was Cheboygan County Airport (SLH), Cheboygan, Michigan. In his written statement, the pilot reported that he took off from runway 28 (3,006 feet by 50 feet, asphalt) and reached approximately 800 feet above ground level (agl) when the engine lost power completely. In order to avoid an urban area and interstate highway ahead, he elected to make a 180-degree turn and return to the airport. The pilot reported that after the turn the aircraft was not in a position to land on the runway. The aircraft landed on the airport and came to rest inverted approximately 560 feet from the runway. A post-accident examination did not reveal any anomalies associated with a pre-impact failure. Engine continuity was confirmed and no gearbox damage was observed. Compression was present at all cylinders. The magnetos produced a spark when rotated. Fuel was sprayed into the carburetor when the throttle linkage was actuated. Throttle and carburetor heat continuity was intact. The temperature and dew point recorded by the Cheboygan County Airport (SLH) Automated Weather Observing System (AWOS), at 1635, were 11 degrees Celsius and 6 degrees Celsius, respectively. SLH was located approximately 15 miles north of Y65. Data obtained from Transport Canada indicated that serious carburetor icing was possible at any power setting under those conditions.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:27 EDT
Nearest AirportCalvin Campbell Muni (0nm N)
Runway28
Runway Length3006 ft
Runway Width50 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftStinson 108-2
Tail NumberN425C
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsFranklin · 6A4165 · Reciprocating · 165
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 56 · Third Class · Serious

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind50° @ 8 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point52 / 43 C
Altimeter30.20 inHg
Observation Time20:35
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data