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Engine Power Loss During Takeoff Leads to Forced Landing and Aircraft Damage (N97337)

Quincy, CA, US

On September 8, 1996, a Stinson 108 (registration N97337) was involved in an aviation accident near Quincy, CA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's over leaning of the fuel mixture, which resulted in the initial loss of engine power; and continued fuel starvation, resulting from the pilot's inadvertent mispositioning of the fuel selector valve during an attempted restart of the engine. 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

During takeoff, the engine lost power at about 50 feet. The pilot attempted restarts but the engine quit again. A forced landing resulted in the aircraft hitting a log. The pilot cited possible over-leaning or fuel selector movement. The aircraft had mixed fuel, no STC, no recent annual inspection, and expired medical certificate.

Accident Overview

The pilot leaned the engine before takeoff. As the aircraft reached approximately 50 feet above ground level, the engine lost power. The pilot switched fuel tanks, enriched the mixture, pumped the throttle, and attempted to restart the engine. The engine briefly started but ran for only a few seconds before quitting again. After a second unsuccessful restart attempt, the pilot executed a forced landing. During the landing, the airplane struck a log and sustained damage.

Pilot Actions

The pilot reported that he might have induced the problem by over-leaning the engine. He also noted that he could have restricted fuel flow when inadvertently moving the fuel selector beyond the tank detent. No other pilot actions were specified in the source.

Additional Findings

The aircraft was fueled with a mixture of aviation fuel and automobile gasoline (auto gas), but it did not have a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) authorizing the use of auto gas. Additionally, the aircraft had not undergone an annual inspection within the previous 12 months, and the pilot's medical certificate had expired. These conditions were noted in the source but were not explicitly linked to the power loss.

Fuel exhaustion & starvation

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 8 Sept 1996 Stinson 108 accident near Quincy, CA?

During takeoff, the engine lost power at about 50 feet. The pilot attempted restarts but the engine quit again. A forced landing resulted in the aircraft hitting a log. The pilot cited possible over-leaning or fuel selector movement. The aircraft had mixed fuel, no STC, no recent annual inspection, and expired…

Were there any fatalities in the 8 Sept 1996 Stinson 108 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 8 Sept 1996 involved a Stinson 108, registration N97337, at Quincy, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the pilot's over leaning of the fuel mixture, which resulted in the initial loss of engine power; and continued fuel starvation, resulting from the pilot's inadvertent mispositioning of the fuel selector valve during an attempted restart of the engine.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X06770. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.