# NTSB NYC85LA118: Stinson 108-3, N6114M, Erie, PA, May 3, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 3, 1985, 19:30 local (23:30 UTC)
- Place: Erie, PA
- Coordinates: 42.210811, -79.83036 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=42.2108&lon=-79.8304&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 2 minor
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 35869
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC85LA118
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/35869/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC85LA118

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, takeoff - initial climb
  - aircraft preflight - inadequate (cause)
  - engine instruments,fuel flow gage - false indication (contributing factor)
  - fuel supply - misjudged
  - fluid,fuel - exhaustion (cause)
  - fuel supply - inadequate, pilot in command(cfi) (cause)
- Forced landing, maneuvering - turn to landing area (emergency)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing
  - terrain condition - high obstruction(s) (contributing factor)
  - maneuver - performed, pilot in command(cfi)
  - airspeed - inadequate
  - stall/mush

## Analysis

THE INSTRUCTOR PLT (CFI) REPORTED THAT WHILE HE WAS INSTRUCTING THE STUDENT ON TAKEOFFS & LANDING, THE ENG LOST POWER DUE TO INSUFFICIENT FUEL. REPORTEDLY, THE ENG LOST POWER SHORTLY AFTER TAKEOFF & THE AIRCREW HAD TO TURN TO AVOID HIGH TENSION WIRES DURING AN EMERGENCY LANDING. SUBSEQUENTLY, THE ACFT STALLED WHILE IT WAS ABOUT 30 FT OFF THE GROUND & THE LANDING GEAR & FUSELAGE WERE DAMAGED DURING TOUCHDOWN. THE CFI REPORTED THAT THE FUEL GAGES WERE PROVIDING A FAULTY INDICATION WHEN THE ENG LOST POWER.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N6114M (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: STINSON 108-3
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 108-4114
- Engines: FRANKLIN 6A4-165-B3 165 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Registered owner: Robert Wochner
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Airport: PA08, Moorhead, runway 3, 1,665 × 140 ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 78; flight instructor, commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: right; flight hours: 15,427 total, 15,427 in this make and model, 15,427 as pilot in command, 30 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 30° at 12 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 55 °F, dew point 48 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg

## 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 19850503015639A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850503015639A), May 3, 1985: Univar 1083, North East, PA, Substantial damage. Lost power (.4)the instructor plt (CFI) reported that while he was instructing the student on takeoffs & landing, the eng lost power due to insufficient fuel.…

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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