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NTSB Report

May 26, 2003 · Boeing Stearman D75-N1 · N59768

Avis, PA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 26, 2003
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Avis, PA
Aircraft
Boeing Stearman D75-N1
Tail Number
N59768
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
NYC03LA115

The pilot reported that the airplane was in cruise flight when he reduced the throttle to idle, and began a gradual descent to an altitude of about 500 feet. At that time, the pilot advanced the throttle; however, the engine did not respond. The engine never developed more than a "fast idle" and the pilot was unable to restore engine power. The pilot located a corn field and performed an emergency landing. During the landing roll, the airplane flipped over and came to rest inverted. Examination of the airplane did not reveal any pre-impact mechanical malfunctions. A weather observation reported at an airport about 20 miles east of the accident site, included a temperature and dew point of 62 and 55 degrees F; respectively. According to an FAA carburetor icing probability chart, the weather conditions were favorable for moderate icing at cruise speed, or serious icing at glide power.

NTSB Probable Cause

A loss of engine power due to carburetor ice. A factor in this accident were weather conditions favorable to carburetor ice.

Full Narrative

On May 26, 2003, about 1450 eastern daylight time, a Boeing Stearman D75-N1, N59768, was substantially damaged during a forced landing in Avis, Pennsylvania. The certificated commercial pilot sustained minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the local flight that originated from Lock Haven, Pennsylvania. The personal flight was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. The pilot reported that the airplane was in cruise flight when he reduced the throttle to idle, and began a gradual decent to an altitude of about 500 feet. At that time, the pilot advanced the throttle; however, the engine did not respond. The engine never developed more than a "fast idle" and the pilot was unable to restore engine power. The pilot located a corn field and decided to attempt an emergency landing. During the landing roll, the airplane flipped over and came to rest inverted. Examination of the airframe and engine by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector did not reveal any pre-impact mechanical malfunctions. The top portions of the wings and the aft portion of the airplane were substantially damaged. The engine was separated from its mounts. The pilot reported 2,900 hours of total flight experience on his most recent application for an FAA second class medical certificate, which was issued on October 23, 2001. A weather observation reported at an airport about 20 miles east of the accident site, at 1406, included a temperature and dew point of 62 and 55 degrees F; respectively. According to an FAA carburetor icing probability chart, the weather conditions were favorable for moderate icing at cruise speed, or serious icing at glide power.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:50 EDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBoeing Stearman D75-N1
Tail NumberN59768
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · W670 · Reciprocating · 250
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 62 · Second Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind310° @ 4 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 2400 ft
Temperature / Dew Point63 F / 55
Altimeter29.93 inHg
Observation Time19:06
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data