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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

May 27, 1998 · Boeing Stearman A75-N1 · N49955

West Fargo, ND

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 27, 1998
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
West Fargo, ND
Aircraft
Boeing Stearman A75-N1
Tail Number
N49955
Operator
Walkinshaw Aircraft
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI98LA175

The pilot reported the engine lost power during the aerial application flight. A forced landing was made on soft terrain during which time the airplane nosed over. Inspection of the airplane revealed no indication of fuel on board. There was also no indication of fuel leakage at the accident site.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's failure to assure an adequate fuel supply in order to complete the flight. A factor associated with the accident was the soft terrain on which the forced landing was made.

Full Narrative

On May 27, 1998, at 0730 central daylight time, a Boeing Stearman A75-N1, N49955, experienced a total loss of engine power during an aerial application flight near West Fargo, North Dakota. The airplane was substantially damaged when it nosed over in a soft field during the subsequent forced landing. The commercial pilot/owner was not injured. The flight was being conducted under 14 CFR Part 137. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident and no flight plan was filed. The flight originated from the Argusville, North Dakota, at 0700 cdt. The pilot reported he was spraying a field in one direction to the east in order to avoid flying over a river. He reported he was pulling up after a swath run to circle around for another run when the engine lost power. The pilot made a turn to the north-northeast to execute a forced landing. The landing was made in a soft field where the airplane nosed over. The airplane and accident site were inspected by an Inspector from the Federal Aviation Administration, Des Moines, Iowa, Flight Standards District Office. The Inspector reported the airplane was located in an inverted position. He reported there was no indication of fuel on board the airplane nor was there any indication of fuel spillage at the accident site.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time07:30 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBoeing Stearman A75-N1
Tail NumberN49955
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorWalkinshaw Aircraft
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsP&W · R-985-AN1 · Reciprocating · 450
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 77 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind170° @ 7 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point63 F / 52
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time12:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data