Casualties unknown

1989-09-01: Stinson 108 (N97628) — Cassen, Gary A. — Cool, CA

Cool, CA, US

On September 1, 1989, a Stinson 108 (registration N97628) operated by Cassen, Gary A. was involved in an aviation accident near Cool, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: FAILURE OF THE #2 PISTON. FAILURE OF THE MECHANIC TO PROPERLY OVERHAUL THE ENGINE WAS A RELATED FACTOR. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft experienced an engine power loss during climb, prompting an emergency landing on an access road. During rollout, the left wheel pant struck a road marker, causing the aircraft to yaw, exit the roadway, and go through a barbed wire fence into a field. Examination revealed a destroyed #2 piston that was not identified as correct for the engine.

Incident Overview

During climb to cruise altitude, the engine suffered a loss of power. Unable to maintain altitude, the pilot elected to land on an access road. The landing itself 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 proceeded through a barbed wire fence before coming to rest on a dirt field.

Engine Examination

An examination of the engine disclosed that 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 a major overhaul, which was performed by an A&P mechanic.

Outcome

No further details about injuries, damage extent, or other factors were provided in the investigation source.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X29408. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.