KETTLE RIVER, MN, USA
N9761K
STINSON 108-2
THE PILOT REPORTED THE ENGINE LOST RPM, SPUTTERED AND STOPPED ABOUT 10-12 SECONDS AFTER TAKEOFF. THE AIRPLANE STRUCK SOME TREES DURING THE FORCED LANDING. FAA INSPECTORS WHO EXAMINED THE AIRPLANE COULD FIND NO ENGINE ANOMALY WHICH WOULD CAUSE A LOSS OF POWER. THE TEMPERATURE WAS 51 DEGREES, AND THE DEW POINT WAS 43 DEGREES. THESE TEMPERATURE/DEW POINT CONDITIONS ARE FAVORABLE FOR SERIOUS CARBURETOR ICING. THE PILOT STATED HE DID A CARBURETOR HEAT CHECK ON RUN-UP. THE FAA INSPECTOR WHO EXAMINED THE WRECKAGE REPORTED THE CARBURETOR HEAT WAS IN THE 'OFF' POSITION.
On May 15, 1994, about 2000 central daylight time, a Stinson 108- 2, N9761K, experienced a loss of engine power during takeoff from a private airstrip near Kettle River, Minnesota. The airplane sustained substantial damage when it struck some trees in the forced landing. The private pilot was not injured. No flight plan was filed for the personal flight, and visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time. The pilot stated the engine rpm dropped about 10-12 seconds after lift off, then the engine started sputtering and stopped. Federal Aviation Administration Inspectors who examined the wreckage reported the carburetor and intake manifold were damaged by ground impact. They were not able to determine if the fuel contained any contaminates. The Inspectors stated they were not able to find any engine malfunctions. The temperature was 51 degrees F., and the dew point was 43 degrees F. The pilot stated he checked the operation of the carburetor heat during his pre- takeoff engine run-up. The FAA inspector who examined the wreckage reported the carburetor heat was in the OFF position.
THE PILOT'S IMPROPER USE OF CARBURETOR HEAT AND THE LACK OF SUITABLE TERRAIN FOR A FORCED LANDING. THE CARBURETOR ICING WEATHER CONDITION WAS A FACTOR.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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