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Casualties unknown

Elevator Travel Discrepancies Identified in Accident Following Maintenance Flight (N97168)

White Post, VA, US

On July 31, 2003, a Stinson 108 (registration N97168) was involved in an aviation accident near White Post, VA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot/ mechanic's improper annual inspection including his rigging of the elevator flight control, and his subsequent inadequate preflight inspection of the airplane prior to flight, when he failed to detect the improperly rigged elevator flight control,… 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 final approach after engine overhaul and annual inspection, the pilot heard a sound and lost descent control. Investigation revealed restricted up-elevator movement due to a radio rack.

Accident Sequence

The owner, who also served as the mechanic, had overhauled the engine and performed an annual inspection on the airplane. He was conducting the first flight after this maintenance. During the final approach phase, after selecting the last notch of flaps, he heard a noise he characterized as a "ping." Shortly after reducing throttle, he could not control the aircraft's descent rate. The airplane then descended rapidly, struck the ground, and nosed over.

Post-Accident Examination

A Federal Aviation Administration inspector examined the wreckage. When the inspector moved the elevator control upward, he encountered intermittent restriction caused by a radio rack. The radio rack was securely fastened in place, and no evidence was found that it had shifted or become loose. The up-elevator travel was measured at half the specified value for the airplane, while the down-elevator travel was 150 percent of the specified value.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 31 Jul 2003 Stinson 108 accident near White Post, VA?

During final approach after engine overhaul and annual inspection, the pilot heard a sound and lost descent control. Investigation revealed restricted up-elevator movement due to a radio rack.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 31 Jul 2003 involved a Stinson 108, registration N97168, at White Post, VA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot/ mechanic's improper annual inspection including his rigging of the elevator flight control, and his subsequent inadequate preflight inspection of the airplane prior to flight, when he failed to detect the improperly rigged elevator flight control, both of which resulted in restricted up elevator control…

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20030808X01291. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.