# NTSB CHI91LA251: Stinson 108-1, N8619K, Elwood, IN, August 4, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 4, 1991, 10:00 local (15:00 UTC)
- Place: Elwood, IN
- Coordinates: 40.269313, -85.82965 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=40.2693&lon=-85.8297&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 2 minor, 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report December 14, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 15148
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI91LA251
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/15148/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI91LA251

## Probable cause

A PREMATURE LIFT-OFF WHICH RESULTED IN A MUSH/STALL.  A FACTOR RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WAS LACK OF TOTAL EXPERIENCE IN TYPE OF OPERATION.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, takeoff - initial climb
  - lift-off - premature (cause)
  - stall/mush - inadvertent, pilot in command (cause)
  - lack of total experience in type operation, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE PILOT SAID THAT AFTER HITTING A HUMP IN THE RUNWAY DURING TAKEOFF AND BECOMING PREMATURELY AIRBORNE, HE WAS UNABLE TO ATTAIN A POSITIVE CLIMB. THE ACFT MUSHED BACK INTO AN ADJACENT CORNFIELD.  THE PILOT SAID THIS WAS HIS FIRST ATTEMPT TO TAKEOFF WITH A REAR SEAT PASSENGER.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8619K](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N8619K), registered now, S/N 108-1619, built 1947 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: STINSON 108-1
- Registry model: [Stinson 108-1](https://openairdocs.org/model/stinson-108-1) (registry code 9230404) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Franklin 6A4150 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/franklin-6a4150-series) (registry code 27024, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 108-1619
- Engines: FRANKLIN 6A4-150-B3 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Hunt, David A.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility; Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, January 2, 2000
- Destination: 1Z1, MCCORDVILLE, IN
- Airport: 311, Elwood, runway 36, 2,300 × 300 ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 53; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 177 total, 159 in this make and model, 123 as pilot in command, 6 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 320° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Observed at: MIE, 25 nm away

## 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 19910804031309A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910804031309A), Aug 4, 1991: Univar 1081, Elwood, IN, Substantial damage. Struck a bump on takeoff. Became prematurley airborne and mushed into field off end runway.

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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