| Crash location | 45.408333°N, 84.600000°W |
| Nearest city | Indian River, MI
45.412512°N, 84.612536°W 0.7 miles away |
| Tail number | N425C |
|---|---|
| Accident date | 21 Oct 2004 |
| Aircraft type | Stinson 108-2 |
| Additional details: | None |
On October 21, 2004, about 1627 eastern daylight time, a Stinson 108-2, N425C, piloted by a student pilot, was substantially damaged during a forced landing following a loss of engine power after takeoff at the Calvin Campbell Municipal Airport (Y65), Indian River, Michigan. The flight was operating under 14 CFR Part 91 without a flight plan. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The pilot sustained serious injuries. The intended destination was Cheboygan County Airport (SLH), Cheboygan, Michigan.
In his written statement, the pilot reported that he took off from runway 28 (3,006 feet by 50 feet, asphalt) and reached approximately 800 feet above ground level (agl) when the engine lost power completely. In order to avoid an urban area and interstate highway ahead, he elected to make a 180-degree turn and return to the airport. The pilot reported that after the turn the aircraft was not in a position to land on the runway.
The aircraft landed on the airport and came to rest inverted approximately 560 feet from the runway.
A post-accident examination did not reveal any anomalies associated with a pre-impact failure. Engine continuity was confirmed and no gearbox damage was observed. Compression was present at all cylinders. The magnetos produced a spark when rotated. Fuel was sprayed into the carburetor when the throttle linkage was actuated. Throttle and carburetor heat continuity was intact.
The temperature and dew point recorded by the Cheboygan County Airport (SLH) Automated Weather Observing System (AWOS), at 1635, were 11 degrees Celsius and 6 degrees Celsius, respectively. SLH was located approximately 15 miles north of Y65. Data obtained from Transport Canada indicated that serious carburetor icing was possible at any power setting under those conditions.
Loss of engine power during initial climb after takeoff for undetermined reasons. A contributing factor was the unsuitable terrain for a forced landing encountered by the pilot and the airplane's low altitude at the time engine power was lost.