Stinson 108 N677JD accident near Wildwood, Arkansas

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that after leveling off from a descent and applying power, the engine began to lose power intermittently. Shortly thereafter, the engine lost all power and could not be restored. During a forced landing, the airplane impacted a tree, resulting in substantial damage to the fuselage and left wing. About 10 minutes before the descent, the pilot switched from the right fuel tank to the left fuel tank, which contained about 13 gallons of fuel.

Although a postaccident examination revealed a worn piston and cylinder, no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies were discovered that would have precluded normal operation. Fuel was available to the engine as evidenced by the injector pump function, no air obstructions were noted, and both magnetos produced bright blue spark when tested.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN22LA012 for the full record.