# NTSB FTW95LA093: Stinson 108-2, N9734K, Roanoke, TX, January 14, 1995

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: January 14, 1995, 12:56 local (18:56 UTC)
- Place: Roanoke, TX
- Coordinates: 32.999103, -97.230438 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=32.9991&lon=-97.2304&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 2 serious
- Status: Completed, report June 19, 1995
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 19339
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW95LA093
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/19339/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW95LA093

## Probable cause

LOSS OF ENGINE POWER FOR UNDETERMINED REASONS.  A FACTOR WAS THE LACK OF SUITABLE TERRAIN FOR THE FORCED LANDING.

## 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
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - emergency
  - terrain condition - none suitable (contributing factor)

## Analysis

AFTER TAKING OFF AND CLIMBING ABOUT 250-300 FEET, THE ENGINE LOST POWER AND 'THE PROP QUIT ROTATING.' THE PILOT ATTEMPTED TO MAKE A FORCED LANDING IN A FIELD ADJACENT TO THE RUNWAY BUT IN THE PROCESS, THE RIGHT WING CONTACTED THE GROUND AND THE AIRPLANE CARTWHEELED. PARTIAL DISASSEMBLY OF THE ENGINE FAILED TO DISCLOSE WHY THE ENGINE LOST POWER.

## Factual narrative

On January 14, 1995, at 1256 central standard time, N9734K, a Stinson 108-2, was substantially damaged during a forced landing after takeoff at Roanoke, Texas.  The commercial pilot and airline transport rated pilot-passenger were seriously injured.  Visual meteorological conditions prevailed.

The following is based on the pilot/operator report.  During the preflight, ten gallons of fuel were added to the left wing tank, and the fuel sumps and gascolator were drained.  The right wing tank indicated 1/4 capacity.  After taking off on runway 35 and climbing about 250-300 feet, the engine lost power and "the prop quit rotating."  The pilot attempted to make a forced landing but in the process, the right wing tip contacted the ground and the airplane cartwheeled.  Witnesses corroborated the pilot's account.

According to the Federal Aviation Administration inspector who went to the accident site, when the pilot made the right turn towards the open field adjacent to the runway, the wind became a 15 to 20 knot quartering tailwind.  At a later date, the inspector partially disassembled the engine but could not find any reason why the engine lost power.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N9734K](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N9734K-2023-08-15), registration cancelled 2023-08-15, S/N 108-2734, 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: 108-2734
- Airframe hours: 2176
- Engines: FRANKLIN 6A4-165-B3 165 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Austin, James M.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, April 1, 1994, 8 hours before
- Departed: 52F
- Destination: 52F, TX
- Airport: 52F, Northwest Regional, runway 35, 3,500 × 50 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 51; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 1,398 total, 400 in this make and model, 24 in the last 90 days, 8 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 330° at 18 knots, gusting 25
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 59 °F, dew point 27 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: AFW, 6 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 19950114000359A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19950114000359A), Jan 14, 1995: Univar 1082, Roanoke, TX, Substantial damage. Engine quit on takeoff. Wing hit ground banking on forced landing cartwheeled., unable find cause power loss.

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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