Stinson 108-3 Suffers Engine Fire, Substantial Damage Near Quilcene

A vintage Stinson 108-3, registration N588C, sustained substantial damage following an engine failure and subsequent in-flight fire near Quilcene, Washington, on May 12, 2026. According to preliminary data from the National Transportation Safety Board, the aircraft was operating as a Part 91 personal flight when the incident occurred at approximately 10:49 p.m. PDT.

Emergency Response

The pilot reported the engine began running rough about 15 minutes after departure. Despite attempting to resolve the issue by applying carburetor heat and switching magnetos and fuel tanks, the pilot decided to divert to a nearby airport. During the turn, a loud bang occurred, oil covered the windscreen, and smoke filled the cabin. An engine fire then progressed into the lower forward cabin near the pilot's feet.

The pilot successfully maneuvered the aircraft into a grassy field, though the airplane impacted a ditch during the landing roll. The pilot exited uninjured and used an onboard fire extinguisher and mud from the ditch to extinguish the engine compartment fire.

Investigation Underway

Photographs of the wreckage revealed substantial damage to the fuselage and empennage, with visible holes in the top of the engine crankcase. The NTSB has retained the wreckage for further examination to determine the cause of the failure. While the Stinson 108 series is regarded as a reliable vintage aircraft, NTSB and Aviation Safety Network records indicate engine-related forced landings are a recurring issue among classic single-engine aircraft of this era.