# NTSB FTW89LA020: Stinson 108-1, N8394K, Powderly, TX, November 11, 1988

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: November 11, 1988, 13:40 local (19:40 UTC)
- Place: Powderly, TX
- Coordinates: 33.77074, -95.530364 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.7707&lon=-95.5304&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report September 25, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 22815
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW89LA020
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/22815/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW89LA020

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, approach
  - flight control,elevator attachment - corroded (cause)
  - flight control,elevator attachment - failure,total (cause)
  - maintenance,inspection - inadequate, other maintenance personnel (cause)
- Loss of control - on ground/water, landing - roll
  - brakes(normal) - excessive, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- Nose over, landing - roll

## Analysis

THE PILOT WAS RECEIVING HIS BIENNIAL FLIGHT REVIEW AND WAS ON APPROACH TO THE AIRPORT WHEN HE HEARD A LOUD SNAP AND LOST ELEVATOR CONTROL. HE WAS ABLE TO PUT THE AIRPLANE DOWN ON THE RUNWAY, BUT COULD NOT GET THE TAIL DOWN. WHEN HE APPLIED THE BRAKES, THE AIRCRAFT FLIPPED FORWARD TO THE INVERTED POSITION. INVESTIGATION REVEALED THE ARM BETWEEN THE ELEVATOR AND THE BELL CRANK WAS BROKEN. FURTHER INVESTIGATION INDICATED THERE HAD BEEN WATER INSIDE THE ARM WHICH HAD RUSTED THROUGH TO THE OUTSIDE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8394K](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N8394K-2018-03-16), registration cancelled 2018-03-16, S/N 108-1394, built 1946 (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: 108-1394
- Engines: FRANKLIN 6A4-150-B3 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Endicott, Melvin E.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: 44F
- Airport: 44F, Powderly, runway 35, 2,945 × 38 ft, dirt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 59; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 2,300 total, 8 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 120° at 14 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 2,200 ft overcast
- Temperature: 61 °F, dew point 46 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: GVT, 50 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 19881111050469A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19881111050469A), Nov 11, 1988: Univar 1081, Powderly, TX, Substantial damage. Elevator control arm fractured during final approach. Aircraft flipped over upon landing. Control arm rusted through

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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