Casualties unknown

1997-01-20: Stinson 108 (N97108) — Winter Haven, FL

Winter Haven, FL, US

On January 20, 1997, a Stinson 108 (registration N97108) was involved in an aviation accident near Winter Haven, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Failure of the pilot to use carburetor heat for descent resulting in engine failure due to carburetor induction icing. 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

During approach, the engine sputtered and quit at 2,000 ft AGL. The pilot, not using carburetor heat, landed in a field, where the aircraft struck trees. Post-accident checks found usable fuel, no contamination, and normal engine and carburetor heat operation. Icing probability curves indicated conducive conditions for icing.

Incident Overview

A pilot reported that while descending through 2,000 feet above ground level (AGL) for an approach to land, the engine sputtered and then quit. The pilot was not using carburetor heat and had reduced the engine speed to 2,100 rpm at the time of the failure. The pilot executed a forced landing in a field; during the landing, the aircraft struck trees.

Post-Accident Examination

Following the accident, usable fuel was found in each fuel tank, and tests confirmed there was no contamination in the fuel. The engine was subsequently started and operated normally, displaying no anomalies. The carburetor heat system was also checked and found to operate normally.

Environmental Conditions

Icing probability curves, based on the reported ambient conditions, indicated that the aircraft was operating in an environment conducive to serious icing at glide power and visible icing at both glide and cruise power settings.

Additional Information

The aircraft's specific type, registration, operator, and the number of occupants were not disclosed in the source. No injuries or fatalities were reported. The time of day and exact location were also not specified. Air traffic control involvement was not mentioned.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X07336. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.