# NTSB LAX01LA131: Stinson 108-1, N8158K, Redlands, CA, March 31, 2001 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: March 31, 2001, 11:33 local (19:33 UTC) - Place: Redlands, CA - Coordinates: 34.109443, -117.139999 - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.1094&lon=-117.1400&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: Serious injuries - Injuries: 1 serious - Status: Completed, report June 3, 2002 - Report: Approved by Office Director - Parties: WP-FSDO - NTSB case key (mKey): 51997 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX01LA131 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/51997/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX01LA131 ## Probable cause A total loss of engine power during cruise flight over rough terrain for undetermined non-mechanical reasons. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, cruise - reason for occurrence undetermined - not identified, unknown (cause) - Forced landing, emergency descent/landing - remedial action - attempted, pilot in command - remedial action - not successful, pilot in command - On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, landing - roll - terrain condition - berm (contributing factor) ## Analysis Prior to taking off for the accident flight the fuel tanks had been refueled. While cruising about 13 minutes later, the pilot experienced a total loss of engine power. The pilot reported that no vibration was felt prior to the power loss. In an attempt at restoring engine power, the pilot applied the carburetor heat, changed the mixture setting, and repositioned the ignition key. None of his actions were successful, and he made a forced landing about 1.5 miles north-northeast of his destination. During the landing rollout in rough terrain, the airplane collided with a berm. The airplane was subsequently examined. During the teardown inspection of the engine and accessories, no evidence of any preimpact malfunction was noted. Both the carburetor finger screen and the gascolator fuel screen were observed clear. The magnetos were functional. The carburetor heat control worked. The reason for the non-mechanical total loss of engine power was not determined. The airplane was manufactured in 1946. ## Factual narrative On March 31, 2001, about 1133 hours Pacific standard time, a Stinson 108-1, N8158K, experienced a total loss of engine power during cruise flight. The pilot made a forced landing about 1.5 miles north-northeast of the Redlands Municipal Airport, Redlands, California. During the landing rollout, the airplane collided with a dirt berm. The airplane was substantially damaged, and the private pilot was seriously injured. The personal flight was performed under 14 CFR Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The flight originated from Banning about 1120. The pilot reported to the National Transportation Safety Board investigator that he had purchased the airplane a few weeks prior to the accident flight, and he was familiar with its operation. Prior to taking off on the accident flight, both of the wing fuel tanks had been filled. The pilot also stated that no vibration was felt prior to the loss of engine power. In an attempt at restoring power, he applied the carburetor heat, changed the mixture setting, and repositioned the ignition key. However, none of his actions were successful in restoring power to his airplane's engine. Thereafter, he made a forced landing on the underlying rough terrain. A deputy sheriff responded to the accident site. The sheriff reported to the Safety Board investigator that upon arrival he observed fuel streaming from the wing tanks of the impact-damaged airplane. The airplane was manufactured in 1946. The airplane was subsequently recovered, inspected, and partially repaired by a Federal Aviation Administration certificated airframe and powerplant mechanic. The mechanic who performed the work verbally reported to the Safety Board investigator that the engine was completely torn down. No evidence of any preimpact malfunction was noted. The accessories were also examined, and no evidence of malfunction was noted. Both the carburetor finger screen and the gascolator fuel screen were observed clear. The magnetos were functional. The carburetor heat control worked. One of the propeller blades was noted bent in an aft direction indicating the crankshaft was not rotating during the impact sequence. The mechanic indicated that he could not ascertain the reason for the non-mechanical total loss of engine power. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N8158K](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N8158K-2018-03-07), registration cancelled 2018-03-07, S/N 108-1158, 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: 108-1158 - Airframe hours: 3508 - Engines: Franklin 6A4-150-B3 150 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Operator: John Sultzbaugh - Registered owner: Chester M. Ugalde - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Unknown, February 19, 2001, 17 hours before - Departed: BNG, BANNING, CA - Destination: L12, REDLANDS, CA - Airport: RAL, Riverside Municipal, runway 26, 4,505 × 75 ft, asphalt ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 59; injuries: serious; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, with waivers/limitations; last flight review March 19, 2001; flight hours: 436 total, 182 in this make and model, 14 in the last 90 days, 14 in the last 30 days ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 360° at 7 knots - Visibility: 25 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 79 °F, dew point 57 °F - Observed at: BUO, 13 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 20010331006199A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20010331006199A), Mar 31, 2001: Univar 1081, Redlands, CA, Substantial damage. (.19) On March 31, 2001, about 1133 hours PST, a Stinson 108-1, N8158K, owned and operated by the pilot, experienced a total loss of engine power. The pilot… 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.