1989-09-01: Stinson 108 — Cassen, Gary A. — Cool, CA

Casualties unknown • Cool, CA, US

Probable cause

FAILURE OF THE #2 PISTON. FAILURE OF THE MECHANIC TO PROPERLY OVERHAUL THE ENGINE WAS A RELATED FACTOR.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

WHILE CLIMBING TO CRUISE ALTITUDE, THE ENGINE SUSTAINED A LOSS OF POWER. UNABLE TO MAINTAIN ALTITUDE, THE PILOT ELECTED TO LAND ON AN ACCESS ROAD. THE LANDING WAS UNEVENTFUL, BUT DURING THE LANDING ROLL-OUT, THE LEFT WHEEL PANT STRUCK A ROAD MARKER. THE AIRPLANE THEN YAWED TO THE LEFT, EXITED THE ROADWAY, AND WENT THRU A BARBED WIRE FENCE AND ONTO A DIRT FIELD. AN ENGINE EXAMINATION DISCLOSED THE #2 PISTON WAS DESTROYED. THE PISTON WAS NOT IDENTIFIED AS BEING THE CORRECT ONE FOR THE ENGINE. THE ENGINE HAD ACCRUED 145 HOURS SINCE MAJOR OVERHAUL. THE OVERHAUL WAS PERFORMED BY AN A&P MECHANIC.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1989-09-01 Stinson 108 accident near Cool, CA?

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1989-09-01 involved a Stinson 108, registration N97628, operated by Cassen, Gary A., at Cool, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

FAILURE OF THE #2 PISTON. FAILURE OF THE MECHANIC TO PROPERLY OVERHAUL THE ENGINE WAS A RELATED FACTOR.

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