This January 2010 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
Aircraft: Stinson 108. Injuries: None. Location: Bayport, N.Y. Aircraft damage: Substantial.
What reportedly happened: The airplane was in cruise flight at approximately 600 feet when the engine began to run rough. The pilot applied the carburetor heat and the roughness subsided briefly, then lost power again.
The pilot made a forced landing on a shoreline. The airplane landed hard in three feet of saltwater and flipped over onto its back.
The post-accident examination of the engine found debris in the fuel system. It was determined that, based on the temperature and dew point at the time of the accident, carburetor icing was not a probable cause.
Probable cause: Engine failure caused by fuel contamination.
For more information: NTSB.gov. NTSB Identification: ERA10LA111
