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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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May 23, 2013 · Stinson 108-3 · N121CM

Beaumont, TX

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 23, 2013
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Beaumont, TX
Aircraft
Stinson 108-3
Tail Number
N121CM
Operator
Aircapital Nevada
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN13LA305

The pilot reported that the airplane's engine lost partial power shortly after takeoff. The airplane was unable to maintain altitude, so he executed a forced landing to a field, and the airplane nosed over. Postaccident examination revealed that the rubber boot between the carburetor heat box and cowl was missing its forward clamp, which was not found in the wreckage The clamp was likely missing because an improper clamp was used or a clamp was not installed properly, which allowed the boot to come loose and to be ingested into the inlet of the carburetor heat box, restricting the airflow and resulting in a rich fuel mixture and the subsequent partial loss of engine power. No other anomalies were found with the engine or its systems.

NTSB Probable Cause

The lack of a forward clamp on the carburetor heat box rubber boot, which allowed the boot to be ingested into the inlet of the carburetor heat box, restricting the airflow and leading to a subsequent partial loss of engine power.

Full Narrative

On May 23, 2013, about 1200 central daylight time, a Stinson 108-3, N121CM, sustained substantial damage when it nosed over during a forced landing following a loss of engine power near Beaumont, Texas. The pilot received minor injuries. The airplane sustained damage to the vertical tail surfaces, wings, wing struts, and fuselage. The aircraft was registered to and operated by Aircapital Nevada, Inc., under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a business flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight, which was not operated on a flight plan. The flight was originating from the Beaumont Municipal Airport, Beaumont, Texas, and was bound for College Station, Texas.The pilot reported that he had performed a pre-takeoff run-up and all engine indications were normal. He proceeded to take off and made two 90-degree turns prior to the loss of engine power. The pilot said that the engine was still producing some power, but he was not able to maintain altitude. He attempted to land in a field and the airplane nosed over. Examination of the engine confirmed compression on all cylinders, valve system continuity, and magneto operation. The carburetor appeared new and the fuel strainer was clean with no debris. The fuel within the gascolator did not appear to have any water or sediment. The upper spark plugs were of three different electrode configurations. All of the plugs exhibited a wet-black appearance. The rubber boot that was located between the carburetor heat box and the cowl was very pliable and had cracks on the exterior surfaces. The rear of the boot was attached to the carburetor heat box with a clamp and sealant. The front of the boot did not have a clamp installed and one was not found in the wreckage. Discussions with a member of the International Stinson Club (ISC) revealed that the front of the boot between the carburetor heat box and the cowl should have had a 2-piece clamp installed. The ISC member said that without the clamp installed it is possible for the boot to be sucked into the inlet of the carburetor heat box thereby restricting airflow, resulting in a rich mixture and reduction of engine power.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:00 CDT
Nearest AirportBeaumont Municipal Airport (0nm)
Flight Plan FiledUnknown
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftStinson 108-3
Tail NumberN121CM
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorAircapital Nevada
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsFranklin · 6A4165 SERIES · Reciprocating · 165
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 81 · Third Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind190° @ 8 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 3000 ft
Altimeter30.03 inHg
Observation Time16:35
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data