Stinson 108 N4059C accident near Indiana, Pennsylvania

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power as a result of debris contamination of the fuel, which resulted in fuel starvation.

NTSB analysis

The student pilot and instructor departed on a local instructional flight, completing about 35 minutes of airwork before returning to the airport to practice takeoffs and landings. They performed several landings and used full carburetor heat during each approach. During the initial climb for the last takeoff, the engine response was "normal" until about 300 ft above ground level, when the engine "abruptly" lost total power. The flight instructor took the flight controls, attempted to restore engine power, and turned the airplane toward a clearing, where it impacted trees before impacting the ground.

Fuel samples from the wings, gascolator, and carburetor revealed solid debris similar to dirt and orange sealant in all samples. Additionally, an air filter element was found lodged in the carburetor venturi. Because the airplane had flown for a few hours since maintenance was completed and the engine stopped producing power "abruptly," it is likely that the engine was starved of fuel as a result of the debris that migrated through the fuel system, which resulted in the total loss of engine power.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA18LA242 for the full record.