No fatalities

Pilot Seriously Injured in Forced Landing After Engine Failure on Initial Climb (N425C)

Indian River, MI, US

On October 21, 2004, a Stinson 108-2 (registration N425C) was involved in an aviation accident near Indian River, MI. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Loss of engine power during initial climb after takeoff for undetermined reasons. A contributing factor was the unsuitable terrain for a forced landing encountered by the pilot and the airplane's low altitude at the time engine power was lost. 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 was seriously injured when his airplane lost engine power on initial climb, leading to a forced landing. The aircraft came to rest inverted on the airport, 560 feet from the runway.

Accident Overview

During takeoff, the pilot reached an altitude of approximately 800 feet above ground level when the engine lost power completely. To avoid an urban area and an interstate highway ahead, the pilot executed a 180-degree turn to return to the airport.

Landing and Damage

After completing the turn, the aircraft was not in a proper position to land on the runway. It landed on the airport and came to rest inverted approximately 560 feet from the runway. The airplane sustained substantial damage, and the pilot suffered serious injuries.

Post-Accident Examination

A post-accident examination of the aircraft did not reveal any anomalies associated with a pre-impact failure.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 21 Oct 2004 Stinson 108-2 accident near Indian River, MI?

A pilot was seriously injured when his airplane lost engine power on initial climb, leading to a forced landing. The aircraft came to rest inverted on the airport, 560 feet from the runway.

Were there any fatalities in the 21 Oct 2004 Stinson 108-2 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 21 Oct 2004 involved a Stinson 108-2, registration N425C, at Indian River, MI.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Loss of engine power during initial climb after takeoff for undetermined reasons. A contributing factor was the unsuitable terrain for a forced landing encountered by the pilot and the airplane's low altitude at the time engine power was lost.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20041027X01707. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.