Accident Overview
On July 13, 2019, about 1120 central daylight time, a Stinson 108 airplane, registration N9651K, sustained substantial damage when it was involved in an accident near Clinton, Arkansas. The pilot sustained minor injuries, and the two passengers were seriously injured. The flight was conducted as a personal flight under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91.
Flight History
According to information from a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector, the airplane had been stored in a hangar and not flown for about three years. Before departure, the pilot checked the fuel and then flew to a nearby airport. After landing, the pilot estimated that the left fuel tank contained 8 gallons of automotive fuel and the right tank contained 16 gallons of automotive fuel. The age of the fuel could not be determined. The pilot added 12 gallons of 100 low-lead aviation fuel to the left tank and 4 gallons to the right tank. Subsequently, the pilot departed to return to the origin airport.
Engine Performance and Impact
During the initial climb after takeoff, when the airplane was about 150 feet above ground level, the pilot perceived that the airplane’s performance was reduced. The pilot recalled that the tachometer indicated 1,850 rpm, which was lower than expected. The airplane began to settle, and the pilot flared before the collision with terrain to minimize impact forces. The airplane collided with the ground and came to rest against trees. The impact resulted in substantial damage to the left wing and fuselage.
Fuel Examination and Engine
An FAA inspector obtained a fuel sample from the carburetor and found contaminants in the fuel. When poured into a glass jar, several particles settled to the bottom. The fuel sample was not secured and was not available for further testing. The engine was not examined.