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Non-Approved Cork Gasket Disintegration Leads to Fuel Starvation and Forced Landing (N8849K)

Heyburn, ID, US

On June 16, 2002, a Stinson 108-1 (registration N8849K) was involved in an aviation accident near Heyburn, ID. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A non-approved cork type material gasket used around the gascolator disintegrated and plugged the fuel line. 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

During climb, an engine began sputtering; the pilot kept it running briefly with the primer before executing a forced landing. The airplane sustained substantial damage during the landing roll. Post-accident inspection revealed a disintegrated non-approved cork gasket in the gascolator had blocked the fuel line.

Incident

The pilot reported that the engine operated normally during the run-up and takeoff, but climb performance was slow. Without warning, the engine began sputtering. The pilot was able to keep the engine running for a short time by using the primer.

Forced Landing

Faced with a failing engine, the pilot initiated a forced landing to a field. During the landing roll, the airplane sustained substantial damage.

Post-Accident Inspection

An inspection of the engine after the accident revealed that a non-approved cork type material gasket had been used around the gascolator. This gasket had disintegrated, and the debris plugged the fuel line. After the material was removed, the engine was run under normal operating conditions and performed satisfactorily.

Probable cause

A non-approved cork type material gasket used around the gascolator disintegrated and plugged the fuel line.
Fuel exhaustion & starvation

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 16 Jun 2002 Stinson 108-1 accident near Heyburn, ID?

During climb, an engine began sputtering; the pilot kept it running briefly with the primer before executing a forced landing. The airplane sustained substantial damage during the landing roll. Post-accident inspection revealed a disintegrated non-approved cork gasket in the gascolator had blocked the fuel line.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 16 Jun 2002 involved a Stinson 108-1, registration N8849K, at Heyburn, ID.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

A non-approved cork type material gasket used around the gascolator disintegrated and plugged the fuel line.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020618X00914. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.