# NTSB CHI94LA163: Stinson 108-2, N9761K, Kettle River, MN, May 16, 1994

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 15, 1994, 20:00 local (May 16, 1994, 01:00 UTC)
- Place: Kettle River, MN
- Coordinates: 46.509769, -92.950523 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=46.5098&lon=-92.9505&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report February 14, 1995
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 9532
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI94LA163
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/9532/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI94LA163

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S IMPROPER USE OF CARBURETOR HEAT AND THE LACK OF SUITABLE TERRAIN FOR A FORCED LANDING. THE CARBURETOR ICING WEATHER CONDITION WAS A FACTOR.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, takeoff
  - weather condition - carburetor icing conditions (contributing factor)
  - fuel system,carburetor - ice
  - carburetor heat - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with object, descent - emergency
  - object - tree(s)
  - terrain condition - none suitable (cause)

## Analysis

THE PILOT REPORTED THE ENGINE LOST RPM, SPUTTERED AND STOPPED ABOUT 10-12 SECONDS AFTER TAKEOFF.  THE AIRPLANE STRUCK SOME TREES DURING THE FORCED LANDING.  FAA INSPECTORS WHO EXAMINED THE AIRPLANE COULD FIND NO ENGINE ANOMALY WHICH WOULD CAUSE A LOSS OF POWER.  THE TEMPERATURE WAS 51 DEGREES, AND THE DEW POINT WAS 43 DEGREES.  THESE TEMPERATURE/DEW POINT CONDITIONS ARE FAVORABLE FOR SERIOUS CARBURETOR ICING.  THE PILOT STATED HE DID A CARBURETOR HEAT CHECK ON RUN-UP.  THE FAA INSPECTOR WHO EXAMINED THE WRECKAGE REPORTED THE CARBURETOR HEAT WAS IN THE 'OFF' POSITION.

## Factual narrative

On May 15, 1994, about 2000 central daylight time, a Stinson 108- 2, N9761K, experienced a loss of engine power during takeoff from a private airstrip near Kettle River, Minnesota.  The airplane sustained substantial damage when it struck some trees in the forced landing.  The private pilot was not injured.  No flight plan was filed for the personal flight, and visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time.

The pilot stated the engine rpm dropped about 10-12 seconds after lift off, then the engine started sputtering and stopped. Federal Aviation Administration Inspectors who examined the wreckage reported the carburetor and intake manifold were damaged by ground impact.  They were not able to determine if the fuel contained any contaminates.  The Inspectors stated they were not able to find any engine malfunctions.  The temperature was 51 degrees F., and the dew point was 43 degrees F. The pilot stated he checked the operation of the carburetor heat during his pre- takeoff engine run-up.  The FAA inspector who examined the wreckage reported the carburetor heat was in the OFF position.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N9761K](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N9761K), registered now, S/N 108-2761, built 1947 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: STINSON 108-2
- Registry model: [Stinson 108-2](https://openairdocs.org/model/stinson-108-2) (registry code 9230406) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Franklin 6A4165 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/franklin-6a4165-series) (registry code 27025, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 108-2761
- Engines: FRANKLIN 165-B3 165 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Steven J. Korhonen
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility; Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, May 9, 1994, 1 hours before
- Departed: NONE

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 30; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, expired; seat: left; flight hours: 79 total, 15 in this make and model, 22 as pilot in command, 1 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 0° at 7 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 3,400 ft overcast
- Temperature: 52 °F, dew point 43 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: COQ, 16 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 19940515010959A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19940515010959A), May 15, 1994: Univar 1082, Kettle River, MN, Substantial damage. Forced landing. Medical certificate expired.

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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