On August 3, 1987, a Stinson 108-3 (registration N6809M) was involved in an aviation accident near Hereford, TX. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a takeoff from a highway, the pilot sharply pulled up to avoid a truck, causing the aircraft to stall and impact the ground. The pilot initially cited an engine issue but evidence indicated the landing was intentional.
Incident Details
The aircraft was taking off from a state highway. A truck was blocking traffic at the end of a 2,500-foot stretch of the highway. The pilot chose to take off toward the truck. During the takeoff run, the pilot realized that the aircraft could not clear the truck and initiated a sharp pull-up. As a result, the aircraft stalled and struck the ground in a nose-low, wings-level attitude.
Pilot Statements
The pilot stated that the engine appeared to be operating normally throughout the takeoff. In an initial interview, the pilot reported that he had landed on the highway due to a rough-running engine, which alleviated once the aircraft was on the ground.
Evidence
Evidence indicated that the pilot had intentionally landed on the highway to visit a business associate. The pilot did not file an accident report to complete the required information.