No fatalities

Engine Failure After Takeoff Leads to Forced Landing and Nose-Over in Hay Field (N8073K)

Elbridge, NY, US

On June 14, 1996, a Stinson 108-1 (registration N8073K) was involved in an aviation accident near Elbridge, NY. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's improper decision to use auto fuel and to fly the airplane when it was in need of major repairs and overdue its annual inspection. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

After takeoff from a private strip, the engine lost power at 150 feet. The pilot executed a forced landing in a hay field, but the airplane nosed over. No preimpact failure was found. The aircraft had been in storage for 8 months and used unapproved auto fuel.

Accident Details

The pilot/owner departed from a private strip with the intention of flying the airplane to another airport for its annual inspection. Shortly after takeoff, at an altitude of approximately 150 feet above the ground, the engine lost power. The pilot performed a forced landing to a hay field, and the airplane nosed over after touchdown.

Examination Findings

Examination of the wreckage revealed no preimpact failure of the engine or airframe. The airplane had not flown for about 8 months prior to the accident flight. During storage, the hangar collapsed onto the airplane, causing damage including tears and dents to the fuel tanks, a broken windshield above the co-pilot's head, a large hole torn in the skin above the co-pilot area, and multiple dents on the top of the wings.

Aircraft Status

The airplane's annual inspection was overdue, and the aircraft had not been inspected or approved for the flight. Additionally, the pilot had drained some fuel from the tanks and replaced it with auto fuel, which was not approved for use in the airplane.

Injuries and Damage

The source does not provide information on injuries. The airplane sustained substantial damage from the nose-over.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 14 Jun 1996 Stinson 108-1 accident near Elbridge, NY?

After takeoff from a private strip, the engine lost power at 150 feet. The pilot executed a forced landing in a hay field, but the airplane nosed over. No preimpact failure was found. The aircraft had been in storage for 8 months and used unapproved auto fuel.

Were there any fatalities in the 14 Jun 1996 Stinson 108-1 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 14 Jun 1996 involved a Stinson 108-1, registration N8073K, at Elbridge, NY.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's improper decision to use auto fuel and to fly the airplane when it was in need of major repairs and overdue its annual inspection.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X06091. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.