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Aircraft Nose-Down Impact and Inversion on First Flight (N9755K)

Rainier, WA, US

On November 8, 1998, a Stinson 108-2 (registration N9755K) was involved in an aviation accident near Rainier, WA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from objects in the approach path. Factors include the marked wires near the end of the runway. 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

A witness reported a normal approach that suddenly pitched nose-down into the ground and flipped. The pilot, on his first flight in the aircraft, stated he lost altitude quickly and caught power lines, possibly due to windshear.

Incident Overview

An accident occurred during an approach to an airstrip. The aircraft impacted the ground and came to rest inverted at the northwest end of the runway.

Witness Account

A witness stated that 'the approach appeared normal, when the plane suddenly pitched nose down into the ground and flipped.'

Pilot Statements

The pilot told deputies that this was his first flight in the accident aircraft. He said that 'he must have lost altitude more quickly than he realized, and caught the power lines.' In a written statement, the pilot noted that the runway has a displaced threshold, and that he was aiming at the green runway markers. He stated that the aircraft sank into the wires; the landing gear caught the wires and the airplane went in on the nose and flipped upside down. The pilot also noted that he may have experienced windshear.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 8 Nov 1998 Stinson 108-2 accident near Rainier, WA?

A witness reported a normal approach that suddenly pitched nose-down into the ground and flipped. The pilot, on his first flight in the aircraft, stated he lost altitude quickly and caught power lines, possibly due to windshear.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 8 Nov 1998 involved a Stinson 108-2, registration N9755K, at Rainier, WA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from objects in the approach path. Factors include the marked wires near the end of the runway.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X11499. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.