# NTSB CHI96LA085: Stinson 108-3, N653C, Sandstone, MN, January 26, 1996 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: January 26, 1996, 13:00 local (19:00 UTC) - Place: Sandstone, MN - Coordinates: 46.120365, -92.859542 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=46.1204&lon=-92.8595&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 3 uninjured - Status: Completed, report May 9, 1996 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 10193 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI96LA085 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/10193/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI96LA085 ## Probable cause the pilot's selection of an ice-covered runway for takeoff. A factor was the icy runway. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Loss of control - on ground/water, takeoff - roll/run - airport facilities,runway/landing area condition - icy (contributing factor) - unsuitable terrain or takeoff/landing/taxi area - selected, pilot in command (cause) - directional control - uncontrolled, pilot in command - ground loop/swerve - encountered, pilot in command - On ground/water collision with object, takeoff - roll/run - terrain condition - snowbank ## Analysis The pilot said the runway was completely covered with ice, and snowbanks 5-8 feet high were on both sides of the runway. During the takeoff roll he could not maintain directional control, and the airplane's right wing tip, propeller and nose struck the snowbank along the side of the runway. ## Factual narrative On January 26, 1996, at 1300 central standard time, a Stinson 108-3, N653C, piloted by a private pilot, was substantially damaged when the airplane struck a snowbank during takeoff on runway 17 (2900'x60' asphalt) at the Sandstone Municipal Airport, Sandstone, Minnesota. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The personal 14 CFR Part 91 flight was not operating on a flight plan. The pilot and two passengers reported no injuries. The pilot was contacted by the investigator in charge (IIC) on February 7, 1996. The pilot said the runway was completely covered with ice, and snowbanks five to eight feet high were present on both sides of the runway. The pilot reported that during takeoff roll he could not maintain directional control of the airplane. The pilot said there were no mechanical malfunctions with the airplane. The airplane's right wing was bent back approximately four feet, and the cowling was also bent as a result of the impact with the snowbank. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N653C](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N653C-2018-03-28), registration cancelled 2018-03-28, S/N 108-3653, 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: 108-3653 - Airframe hours: 2000 - Engines: FRANKLIN 6A4-165-B3 165 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Registered owner: Gary L Guptill - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, July 1, 1995, 50 hours before - Departed: 57Y - Airport: 57Y, Sandstone, runway 17, 2,900 × 60 ft, asphalt ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 33; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 110 total, 33 in this make and model, 110 as pilot in command, 60 in the last 90 days, 15 in the last 30 days ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 30° at 4 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 7 °F, dew point -0 °F - Altimeter: 30.00 inHg - Observed at: 19D, 40 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 19960126001139A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19960126001139A), Jan 26, 1996: Univar 1083, Sandstone, MN, Substantial damage. Narrative: computer records show violation and re-exam actions on the pilot related to a previous incident (GL219602108, GL219602012 and GL219602292) [privacy… ## Other investigations on N653C (2) 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. - [NTSB CHI01LA333](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI01LA333), Sep 28, 2001: Stinson 108-3 (N653C), Duluth, MN, substantial damage. Probable cause: The pilots failure to maintain directional control during the landing. Factors were the crosswind and the soft terrain. - [NTSB MKC65F0130](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC65F0130), Mar 21, 1965: Stinson 108-3 (N653C), St Paul, MN, substantial damage 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. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.