Universal Stinson 108-1 N9799G accident near Macon, Mississippi

Probable cause

A partial loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.

NTSB analysis

The private pilot departed on a short personal flight to a private runway in his tailwheel-equipped airplane. He reported that the engine began to run roughly and lost partial power as the airplane neared the destination. Realizing that he would not be able to reach the runway, he chose to perform a precautionary landing to a nearby road. The pilot stated that, during the landing approach, he did not observe any traffic on the road; however, the airplane touched down and came to rest on top of a truck, resulting in substantial damage.

The engine was not examined after the accident; therefore, the reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined. A carburetor icing probability chart indicated a potential for serious icing at glide power given the weather conditions at the time of the accident; however, the pilot did not indicate if he used carburetor heat during the flight. Thus, it could not be determined whether carburetor icing contributed to the loss of engine power.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA15LA201 for the full record.