# NTSB ATL83LA023: Stinson 108-3, N981C, Exmore, VA, November 1, 1982

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: November 1, 1982, 14:20 local (19:20 UTC)
- Place: Exmore, VA
- Location: 37.5295° N, 75.8283° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Exmore, VA, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=37.5295&lon=-75.8283&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 3 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report November 1, 1983
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 70640
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL83LA023
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/70640/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL83LA023

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, cruise - normal
  - engine assembly,other - loose (cause)
  - engine assembly,other - penetrated (cause)
  - lubricating system - leak
  - fluid,oil - exhaustion (cause)
- Forced landing, landing - flare/touchdown
- Nose over, landing - roll
  - terrain condition - soft (contributing factor)

## Analysis

DURING FLIGHT, THE PILOT NOTICED A DECREASE IN OIL PRESSURE AND ELECTED TO LAND AT AN ALTERNATE AIRPORT. WHILE EN ROUTE, A COMPLETE LOSS OF OIL PRESSURE OCCURRED AND THE PILOT EXECUTED AN EMERGENCY LANDING IN AN OPEN FIELD. WHILE ON THE LANDING ROLL, THE AIRCRAFT HIT A SOFT SPOT AND NOSED OVER. AN EXAMINATION OF THE ENGINE REVEALED THERE WAS A DIMPLE AND HOLE IN THE ROCKER BOX COVER OF THE NO 3 CYLINDER. A LOOSE 3/8-24 HEXAGON JAM NUT (FOR THE INTAKE ROCKER ARM ADJUSTING SCREW) WAS FOUND INSIDE THE ROCKER BOX COVER. THE HOLE AND DIMPLE IN THE ROCKER BOX COVER WERE OPPOSITE OF THE EXHAUST ROCKER ARM ADJUSTING SCREW AND MATCHED THE SIZE AND SHAPE OF THE LOOSE NUT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N981C](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N981C-2014-12-01), registration cancelled 2014-12-01, S/N 108-3981, built 1947 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: STINSON 108-3
- Registry model: [Stinson 108-3](https://openairdocs.org/model/stinson-108-3) (registry code 9230408) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Franklin 6A4165 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/franklin-6a4165-series) (registry code 27025, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 61703
- Airframe hours: 2580
- Engines: FRNKLIN 6A4-165-B3 165 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Willis G. Brown
- Registered owner: Willis G. Brown
- Departed: C, EASTON, MD
- Destination: C, BAYBORO, NC

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 65; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 1,359 total, 1,159 in this make and model, 1,134 as pilot in command, 10 in the last 90 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 170° at 6 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Temperature: 158 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19821101056529A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19821101056529A), Nov 1, 1982: Univar 1083, Exmore, VA, Substantial damage. Lost oil pressure en route. Intake rocker arm adjusting screw came loose. Knocked a hole in the valve cover.

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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