Probable cause
Loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion, and the student pilot's failure to adequately preflight the airplane prior to takeoff.
NTSB analysis
Shortly after takeoff, the airplane lost power and collided with trees. A postaccident examination of the airplane revealed no fuel in the left wing fuel tank and approximately 1 to 3 gallons of fuel in the right wing fuel tank. The airplane's certificate holder stated that the unusable fuel for the airplane's configuration was 2 gallons per tank. Had the student pilot checked the fuel tanks prior to takeoff, he would have noted that there was little fuel in the tanks. No evidence of any preimpact mechanical failure or malfunction was found.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA10LA442 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 25, 2010
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Andrews, South Carolina
- Nearest airport
- Robert F. Swinnie (PHH)
- Highest injury
- Fatal
- Fatal injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Stinson 108
- N-number
- N97316
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.