# NTSB IAD01LA047: Stinson 108, N97168, White Post, VA, April 26, 2001 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: April 26, 2001, 06:00 local (10:00 UTC) - Place: White Post, VA - Coordinates: 39.049022, -78.100151 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.0490&lon=-78.1002&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: Serious injuries - Injuries: 1 serious - Status: Completed, report December 18, 2001 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 52134 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=IAD01LA047 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/52134/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/IAD01LA047 ## Probable cause the pilot's failure to remove frost from the airplane prior to departure. A factor in the accident was the tall wet grass. ## 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 - wet (contributing factor) - ice/frost removal from aircraft - inadequate, pilot in command (cause) - airport facilities,runway/landing area condition - high vegetation (contributing factor) ## Analysis During the take-off roll on a 2,000-foot long wet grass runway, the airplane veered to the left, went through a barbed wire fence, struck a dirt mound and came to rest 150 feet beyond the mound on its nose. The pilot reported that a light frost covered the airplane prior to departure, but he did not de-ice the airplane because he was in a hurry. The pilot reported to an FAA inspector that the accident was "his fault and he knew better." The pilot also reported that there were no mechanical deficiencies with the airplane, and that the accident could have been prevented if he had "de-iced the aircraft thoroughly." Additionally, the grass on the runway was estimated to be about 9 inches long. ## Factual narrative On April 26, 2001, at 0600 eastern daylight time, a Stinson 108, N97168, was substantially damaged during take-off from White Post Airport (3VA7), White Post, Virginia. The certificated commercial pilot sustained serious injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the personal flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. The pilot was en route to Kentucky to attend a business meeting scheduled at 1000. During a telephone interview, a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector said she had a telephone conversation with the pilot. According to the inspector, the pilot reported that he pulled the airplane from his hangar the night before and left it tied down outside overnight, so he could save time the next morning. According to the inspector, the pilot said that frost covered the airplane prior to take-off, but he did not remove it because he was in a hurry, and had "get-there-itis." The pilot also told the inspector that the accident was his fault and he knew better. In a written statement, the pilot said: "Aircraft had light frost layer all over and was unable to get airborne on take-off, crashing into neighboring fence." Another FAA inspector performed an on-scene examination. In a written statement, the inspector said: "During take-off roll, aircraft veered left off runway, went through barbed wire fence, then struck 6 foot rock/dirt mound, came to rest approx. 150 yards beyond mound, struck ground nose down. State Police observed frost on the aircraft. Additionally, the grass on the private strip was approximately 9-inches tall and wet." Runway 4/22 was a 2,000 foot long by 75-foot wide grass runway. Weather at Winchester Regional Airport (OKV), Winchester, Virginia, at 0602, were calm winds, temperature 32 degrees F, and dewpoint 32 degrees F. The pilot reported 3,100 total flight hours, of which 950 hours were in make and model. The pilot also reported that there were no mechanical deficiencies with the airplane. Additionally, when asked how this accident could have been prevented, the pilot recommended, "De-ice aircraft thoroughly!" ## Aircraft - Registration: [N97168](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N97168-2007-08-10), registration cancelled 2007-08-10, S/N 108-168, built 1946 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Stinson 108 - Registry model: [Stinson 108](https://openairdocs.org/model/stinson-108) (registry code 9230402) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Franklin 6A4150 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/franklin-6a4150-series) (registry code 27024, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 168 - Airframe hours: 3100 - Engines: Franklin 684-1V3 150 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Registered owner: James H. Perkins - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, May 1, 2000, 100 hours before - Departed: 3VA7, WHITE POST, VA - Destination: BRY, SPRINGFIELD, KY - Airport: 3VA7, White Post, runway 22, 2,000 × 75 ft, grass/turf ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 64; injuries: serious; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; last flight review July 1, 2000; seat: front; flight hours: 3,100 total, 950 in this make and model, 2,800 as pilot in command, 4 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 30 days, 0 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Dawn - Wind: calm - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 34 °F, dew point 34 °F - Altimeter: 30.26 inHg - Observed at: OKV, 5 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 20010426016869A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20010426016869A), Apr 26, 2001: Univar 108, White Post, VA, No damage. (-23) During takeoff roll, aircraft veered left off runway, went through barbed wire fence then struck 6' rock/dirt mound. Came to rest approx 150 yards beyond… ## Other investigations on N97168 (1) 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 NYC03LA175](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC03LA175), Jul 31, 2003: Stinson 108 (N97168), White Post, VA, substantial damage. Probable cause: The pilot/ mechanic's improper annual inspection including his rigging of the elevator flight control, and his subsequent inadequate preflight inspection of the airplane prior to flight, when he… 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.