Stinson 108-1 N8158K

Summary

On 31 March 2001 at about 19:33 local time, a Stinson 108-1 registered N8158K, operated by John Sultzbaugh, was involved in an accident near Redlands, California, United States. One person was on board and one was seriously injured. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

31 March 2001 at 19:33

Classification

Accident

Location

Redlands, California, United States

Nearest airport

Riverside Municipal (RAL)

Coordinates

34.1094, -117.1400

Aircraft

Stinson 108-1

Registration

N8158K

Category

Airplane

Engines

1

Operator

John Sultzbaugh

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Banning → Redlands

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

LAX01LA131

1 person was seriously injured.

A total loss of engine power during cruise flight over rough terrain for undetermined non-mechanical reasons.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

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.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.