Summary
On August 31, 1994, a Stinson 108-1 (N9130K) was involved in an incident near Anchorage, AK. All 2 people aboard were uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this incident to be: THE BINDING IN THE MECHANICAL FUEL SELECTOR VALVE, AND LACK OF SUITABLE TERRAIN FOR A FORCED LANDING.
On August 30, at 2218 Alaska daylight time, a wheel equipped Stinson 108-1 airplane, N9130K, registered to and operated by the pilot, experienced a power failure during cruise flight and was forced to land in the trees approximately 14 miles southeast of Anchorage, Alaska. The personal flight, operating under 14 CFR Part 91, departed Seldovia, Alaska, and the destination was Merrill Field in Anchorage. A VFR flight plan was filed and visual meteorological conditions prevailed.
This incident is documented in NTSB report ANC94LA117. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N9130K.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
THE BINDING IN THE MECHANICAL FUEL SELECTOR VALVE, AND LACK OF SUITABLE TERRAIN FOR A FORCED LANDING.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
On August 30, at 2218 Alaska daylight time, a wheel equipped Stinson 108-1 airplane, N9130K, registered to and operated by the pilot, experienced a power failure during cruise flight and was forced to land in the trees approximately 14 miles southeast of Anchorage, Alaska. The personal flight, operating under 14 CFR Part 91, departed Seldovia, Alaska, and the destination was Merrill Field in Anchorage. A VFR flight plan was filed and visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The Private Certificated Pilot and his passenger were not injured and the airplane was substantially damaged.
According to the pilot, there was no warning and no backfire and the fuel tank from which he was operating indicated 3/4 of a tank.
The airplane was inspected after it was recovered and no fuel was located in any of the fuel tanks. However, the airplane remained upside down in the trees for a few days before it was recovered. The fuel selector valve was examined and it was found to bind during rotation between all of the positions. There were no indentations at any of the positions. The available positions were "RIGHT, LEFT, and OFF." The fuel selector valve was marked with the correct positions listed but the placard was not from the original manufacturer.
No other mechanical abnormalities were found with the airplane.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ANC94LA117