Grand Champion 2023

Texas Chapter Member Projects

Jim Austin

Jim Austin is repairing the damage from this landing accident when the pilot of a 1980 Piper PA-28-161 may have mistaken Jim's 1948 Stinson 108-3 for an Aircraft Carrier. The incident took place at Northwest Regional Airport, Texas, on May 14, 2009.

Jim
Austin's Stinson masquerading as a runway

The engine had to be overhauled due to a broken crank and awaits installation.

Jim
Austin's Stinson 108-3 Fuselage

Here Jim shows how far the repair has come to the fuselage. It is almost ready for covering.

Jim
Austin and his Stinson 108-3 project

Update 5/16/2010: Visited Jim today and checked out the progress he's making. The fuselage has been repaired and is ready for covering. One wing, in the home made wing rotator, is covered. Jim made the rotator from plans in a recent EAA magazine. The other wing is ready for covering. It's beginning to look better than when the other plane landed on top of him. -Dick Ramsey

Update:October 2010 visited Jims hangar and his 108-3 is now almost ready for assembly. Wings and Fuselage are painted red now with minor work still to be done. Hope to see it flying again soon.