On April 26, 2001, a Stinson 108 (registration N97168) was involved in an aviation accident near White Post, VA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's failure to remove frost from the airplane prior to departure. A factor in the accident was the tall wet grass. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During takeoff on a 2000-foot wet grass runway, an airplane veered left, crossed a barbed wire fence, hit a dirt mound, and came to rest nosedown. The pilot reported frost on the aircraft and did not de-ice due to haste.
Accident Details
During the take-off roll on a 2,000-foot long wet grass runway, the airplane veered to the left. It subsequently went through a barbed wire fence, struck a dirt mound, and came to rest 150 feet beyond the mound on its nose. The pilot reported that a light frost covered the airplane prior to departure. He stated that he did not de-ice the airplane because he was in a hurry.
Pilot Statements
The pilot reported to an FAA inspector that the accident was "his fault and he knew better." He also stated that there were no mechanical deficiencies with the airplane. Additionally, the pilot indicated that the accident could have been prevented if he had "de-iced the aircraft thoroughly." The grass on the runway was estimated to be about 9 inches long.