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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

September 1, 2020 · Stinson 108-3 · N909C

Coleman, MI

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 1, 2020
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Coleman, MI
Aircraft
Stinson 108-3 (1947)
Tail Number
N909C
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN20LA377

The pilot had been flying for about 45 minutes when the airplane experienced a total loss of engine power. The pilot performed a forced landing onto a field. The airplane nosed over and sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and empennage. Postaccident examination of the engine revealed that the single generator drive gear for the ignition system had separated into several pieces. The drive gear shaft installation called for a castellated nut with a cotter pin to retain the drive gear, but the cotter pin had not been installed and allowed the nut to back off, which ceased ignition to the engine. The generator was installed by the pilot, who did not hold a mechanic certificate, during his overhaul of the engine. The pilot stated that he performed the overhaul of the engine and installation of the generator under the supervision of a mechanic with an airframe and powerplant ratings. No other mechanical anomalies with the engine were noted.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s improper installation of the generator drive gear, which resulted in a total loss of engine power.

Full Narrative

On September 1, 2020, at 1100 eastern daylight time, a Stinson 108-3, N909C, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Coleman, Michigan. The pilot was uninjured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The pilot stated that the airplane had been flying for about 45 minutes before it experienced a total loss of engine power. The pilot then performed a forced landing to a soybean field, where it rolled for about 180 ft and nosed over resulting in substantial damage to the fuselage and empennage. Postaccident examination of the engine, by a Federal Aviation Administration representative, revealed the single generator drive gear for the ignition system had separated into several pieces. The drive gear shaft installation called for a castellated nut with a cotter pin to retain the drive gear, but the cotter pin had not been installed and allowed the nut to back off. The generator was installed by the pilot, who did not hold a mechanic certificate, during his overhaul of the engine. The pilot stated that he performed the overhaul of the engine and installation of the generator under the supervision of a mechanic with an airframe and powerplant ratings. No other mechanical anomalies with the engine were noted.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:00 EDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftStinson 108-3
Tail NumberN909C
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsFranklin · 6A4165 SERIES · Reciprocating · 165
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 70 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data