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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 23, 2022 · Stinson 108 3 · N6020M

Batesburg, SC

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 23, 2022
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Batesburg, SC
Aircraft
Stinson 108 3 (1947)
Tail Number
N6020M
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA22LA333

Shortly after takeoff the engine sustained a total loss of engine power caused by fatigue failure of the crankshaft gear, necessitating the pilot to perform an off-airport forced landing that resulted in substantial damage. The fatigue fracture initiated from multiple origins at a corner of a keyway cut in the gear. The crankshaft gear underwent magnaflux inspection and was approved for return to service associated with an engine overhaul nearly 8 years and 247 hours earlier. While there was no evidence of plating at the fatigue initiation site, it could not be determined from the available evidence whether the fatigue existed in the part at the last inspection or how fast the fatigue crack was growing.

NTSB Probable Cause

Aircraft-Aircraft power plant-Engine (reciprocating)-Recip eng rear section-Fatigue/wear/corrosion

Full Narrative

On July 23, 2022, about 1400 eastern daylight time, a Stinson 108-3, N6020M, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Batesburg, South Carolina. The private pilot and a passenger were not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The pilot stated that during cruise flight, while flying about 2,300 ft above mean sea level, the engine “went dead.” He made a forced landing to a field, and after touchdown the airplane collided with trees that bordered the field. Postaccident examination of the engine following recovery of the airplane revealed no valvetrain continuity with rotation of the crankshaft. Partial disassembly of the engine revealed that the crankshaft gear was fractured. Examination of the crankshaft gear by the National Transportation Safety Board Materials Laboratory revealed it failed due to fatigue that initiated from multiple origins at a corner of a keyway cut in the gear. There was no plating at the fatigue initiation site. A review of the maintenance records revealed a nearly 15-year gap in entries, and then the engine was overhauled by an airframe and powerplant mechanic on June 18, 2014, and installed on the airframe on June 1, 2016. Further review of the maintenance records associated with the engine overhaul revealed the crankshaft gear was magnafluxed and approved for return to service on April 25, 2012. Since installation, the engine remained installed in the airframe and underwent routine inspections and maintenance, accruing about 247 hours since major overhaul at the time of the accident.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:00 EDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftStinson 108 3
Tail NumberN6020M
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsFranklin · 6A4-165-B3 · Reciprocating · 165
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 75 · Basc · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind200° @ 6 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Altimeter30.15 inHg
Observation Time13:55
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data