# NTSB DEN89LA226: Universal Stinson 108-1, N8607K, Hudson, CO, September 30, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: September 30, 1989, 16:30 local (22:30 UTC)
- Place: Hudson, CO
- Coordinates: 40.069389, -104.640106 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=40.0694&lon=-104.6401&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor, 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report June 10, 1991
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 17789
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=DEN89LA226
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/17789/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN89LA226

## Probable cause

PARTIAL LOSS OF ENGINE POWER FOR AN UNKNOWN REASON.  A FACTOR RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WAS:  THE ALFALFA CROP.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power, takeoff - initial climb
  - reason for occurrence undetermined (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- Nose over, landing
  - terrain condition - crop (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PLT (PIC) & THE PREVIOUS OWNER/PLT (PAX) WERE FLYLING THE ACFT FOR FAMILIARIZATION.  THEY TOOK OFF TO THE SOUTH WITH THE WIND FROM 180 DEG AT 15 GUSTING 20 KTS.  DENSITY ALT WAS APRX 7600 FT.  THE PAX SAID THAT DURING THE INITIAL CLIMB AT ABOUT 200 FT AGL, THE PLANE ENTERED A 'DOWNDRAFT.'  THE PIC SAID THE ACFT BEGAN A DSCNT WITH A HIGH SINK RATE. ALSO, HE SAID THE ENG RPM 'STARTED TO DECREASE'  &  THE ENG LOST POWER. THE PAX SAID THE ENG SOUNDED LIKE IT 'LOADED UP' DURING THE ENCOUNTER WITH THE DOWNDRAFT, BUT THAT IT CONTD RUNNING.  THE PLT MANEUVERED THE ACFT TO THE RIGHT TO LAND IN AN ALFALFA FIELD.  DURING THE LANDING, THE ACFT NOSED OVER & CAME TO REST INVERTED.  A POST-ACDNT EXAM OF THE ENG PROVIDED NO EVIDENCE TO EXPLAIN THE RPRTD LOSS OF POWER.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8607K](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N8607K), registered now, S/N 108-1607, built 1947 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: UNIVERSAL STINSON 108-1
- Registry model: [Universal Stinson 108-1](https://openairdocs.org/model/universal-stinson-108-1) (registry code 9230414) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Franklin 6A4150 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/franklin-6a4150-series) (registry code 27024, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 1607
- Airframe hours: 2019
- Engines: FRANKLIN 6A4-150-B3 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Vernon Hoppes
- Registered owner: Vernon Hoppes
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, May 16, 1986, 1 hours before
- Departed: 18V
- Destination: 18V

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 55; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 629 total, 300 in this make and model, 548 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 180° at 15 knots, gusting 20
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 81 °F

## 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 19890930044119A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19890930044119A), Sep 30, 1989: Univar 1081, Hudson, CO, Substantial damage. Downdraft on climbout. Engine loaded up lost partial power. Unable clear terrain. Landed in alfalfa and nosed over.

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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