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Engine Failure Leads to Ditching Near Fishing Trawler (N233C)

Friday Harbor, WA, US

On December 20, 1996, a Stinson 108-2 (registration N233C) operated by Yelm Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Friday Harbor, WA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: failure of the engine (powerplant) for undetermined reason(s). A factor relating to the accident include: being over water at the time of power failure. 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, the airplane experienced severe engine vibration and loss of power. The pilot ditched near a fishing trawler; the airplane nosed over and sank to about 300 feet. The pilot safely egressed.

Incident Overview

During the climb after takeoff, while passing through 2,500 feet mean sea level (MSL), the airplane's engine began to vibrate severely and emitted loud metallic banging sounds. Approximately 10 seconds later, the engine experienced a complete loss of power. The pilot attempted to restart the engine but was unsuccessful.

Ditching

Determining that gliding to land was not possible due to the distance from shore, the pilot opted to ditch the airplane adjacent to a fishing trawler. Upon impact with the water, the airplane nosed over and subsequently sank to a depth of about 300 feet. The pilot safely egressed from the submerged aircraft.

Recovery

The airplane and its maintenance log books were not recovered from the ocean floor.

Engine failure

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 20 Dec 1996 Stinson 108-2 accident near Friday Harbor, WA?

After takeoff, the airplane experienced severe engine vibration and loss of power. The pilot ditched near a fishing trawler; the airplane nosed over and sank to about 300 feet. The pilot safely egressed.

Were there any fatalities in the 20 Dec 1996 Stinson 108-2 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 20 Dec 1996 involved a Stinson 108-2, registration N233C, operated by Yelm Aviation, at Friday Harbor, WA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

failure of the engine (powerplant) for undetermined reason(s). A factor relating to the accident include: being over water at the time of power failure.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X07247. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.