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Engine Power Loss During Climb Leads to Hard Landing and Substantial Damage (N9442K)

Topeka, KS, US

On July 10, 2000, a Stinson 108-1 (registration N9442K) was involved in an aviation accident near Topeka, KS. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the restricted fuel line, and the pilot not attaining proper runway alignment during the forced landing. Factors were the low altitude at which the engine failure occurred, and the landing gear overload. 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 pilot experienced a loss of engine power during initial climb from a private airstrip, performed troubleshooting, then experienced another power loss during a second takeoff, resulting in a hard landing that collapsed the right main gear and caused substantial damage.

Event Details

The airplane sustained substantial damage during a forced landing following a loss of engine power on initial climb from a private airstrip. The pilot reported that after flying for about 10 minutes, a "miss developed in [the] engine." The pilot elected to land and then drained fuel from the gascolator and carburetor bowl. No debris or water was found in the fuel samples. The pilot then started the engine and performed an extended run-up, during which the engine appeared to operate normally.

Subsequent Takeoff and Landing

The pilot proceeded to take off, but during the climb out, the engine lost power again. The pilot elected to land the aircraft on the runway in the opposite direction of takeoff. The pilot stated that he "landed hard on [the] right main gear collapsing it [and] dropping on to [the] right wing and slid to [a] stop on [the] edge of [the] runway."

Postaccident Examination

A postaccident examination of the aircraft failed to reveal any anomalies that could be associated with a preexisting condition. The pilot noted that the fuel line from the gascolator to the carburetor appeared to have had the rubber liner shaved by the fitting during assembly, which could restrict the flow of fuel.

Engine failure

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 10 Jul 2000 Stinson 108-1 accident near Topeka, KS?

A pilot experienced a loss of engine power during initial climb from a private airstrip, performed troubleshooting, then experienced another power loss during a second takeoff, resulting in a hard landing that collapsed the right main gear and caused substantial damage.

Were there any fatalities in the 10 Jul 2000 Stinson 108-1 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 10 Jul 2000 involved a Stinson 108-1, registration N9442K, at Topeka, KS.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the restricted fuel line, and the pilot not attaining proper runway alignment during the forced landing. Factors were the low altitude at which the engine failure occurred, and the landing gear overload.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X21379. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.