Accident
On December 5, 2012, at 1300 central standard time, a Stinson 108, registration N8775K, experienced a loss of engine power and executed a forced landing to a field near Halfway, Missouri. The private pilot, who was the sole occupant, sustained minor injuries. The airplane was substantially damaged. The flight had departed Eads Ridge Airport (MO68), Fair Grove, Missouri, at 1240. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal flight conducted under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91, and no flight plan was filed.
Aircraft Damage and Engine Examination
According to an FAA aviation safety inspector who interviewed the pilot and examined the airplane, the pilot reported that after about 20 minutes of flight, the engine began making an unusual grinding noise, followed by a loss of power. During the forced landing attempt, the left main landing gear struck a powerline. The airplane landed hard, resulting in substantial damage to both wings, the fuselage, and an engine mount. The left main landing gear and propeller were also damaged. Examination of the engine revealed that the magnetos were not properly secured to the engine and were loose. When the magnetos were removed, the inspector visually observed that the camshaft was broken.
Maintenance and Pilot Information
A review of the engine maintenance logbooks showed that the airplane's last annual inspection was conducted on January 8, 2008. The pilot held a private pilot certificate for airplane single-engine land. His last FAA third-class medical certificate was issued on March 4, 2009, and his last biennial flight review was completed on August 31, 2008. The pilot reported a total flight time of 761 hours, of which 437 hours were in the accident airplane. He stated that he had flown approximately 3 hours in the 90 days prior to the accident and was preparing for a biennial flight review when the event occurred.