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NTSB Report

May 24, 2002 · Stearman A75N1 · N5545F

Panacea, FL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 24, 2002
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Panacea, FL
Aircraft
Stearman A75N1
Tail Number
N5545F
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ATL02LA105

Shortly after takeoff, when the airplane was approximately 100 feet above the ground, the engine lost power and quit. The pilot elected to attempt a landing on the remaining runway. The airplane collided with the runway in a 35- to 40-degree nose-down attitude. Upon further inspection, it was discovered that when the fuel shutoff valve was turned off, the valve closed completely. When the fuel shutoff valve was opened, the valve opened halfway, while indicating completely open.

NTSB Probable Cause

Loss of engine power due to fuel starvation resulting from fuel restriction through the fuel shutoff valve.

Full Narrative

On May 23, 2002, at 1930 eastern daylight time, a Stearman A75N1, N5545F, registered to and owned by the pilot, collided with runway 18 shortly after takeoff from Wakulla County Airport in Panacea, Florida. The pleasure flight was operated by the pilot under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91 with no flight plan filed. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The airline transport pilot and his passenger received no injuries, and the airplane was substantially damaged. The flight departed Panacea, Florida, at 1928. According to the pilot, no abnormalities were noted during preflight inspection or engine run up. The pilot taxied the airplane onto the runway 18 and initiated a normal takeoff. All engine instruments were in the normal operating range, and the airplane rotated less than halfway down the 2785-foot long runway. When the airplane was approximately 100 feet above the ground, the engine began to lose power and subsequently quit. The pilot elected to attempt a landing on the remaining runway. The airplane collided with the runway in a 35- to 40-degree nose-down attitude. Examination of the airplane revealed the landing gear had sheared off and the wheels had pushed through the wings. In addition, damage had occurred to the lower left wing, both propellers, the lower left side spar, and the firewall. Examination of the fuel system revealed that when the fuel shutoff valve was turned to off position, the valve assembly closed completely. When the fuel shutoff valve was opened, the valve opened halfway, while indicating completely open.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time22:30 EDT
Nearest AirportWakulla County (0nm N)
Runway18
Runway Length3500 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftStearman A75N1
Tail NumberN5545F
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsPratt & Whitney · R-985 Series · Reciprocating · 450
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 39 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind100° @ 6 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point54
Altimeter30.06 inHg
Observation Time10:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data