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February 23, 2018 · Stearman B75 N1 · N62438

Zephryhills, FL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
February 23, 2018
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury), 1 uninjured
Location
Zephryhills, FL
Aircraft
Stearman B75 N1 (1942)
Tail Number
N62438
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA18LA086

The pilot reported that, before departure, the airplane had 17 gallons of fuel for the flight to another airport where he planned to stop to refuel. He added that, after 45 minutes of flight and while the airplane was descending through 1,800 ft above ground level, the engine lost power. While on final approach and about 3 miles from the airport, he realized that the airplane would not reach the runway, so he chose to conduct an emergency landing on a road. Just before touchdown, the right wing impacted a traffic light pole and then the airplane impacted the ground. During postaccident examination of the airplane, no fuel was found in the fuel system. Postaccident examination of the engine (and fuel system) revealed the presence of some debris in the carburetor fuel screen and the fuel sump. Otherwise, no evidence of any preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. Therefore, it is likely that the pilot’s preflight fuel planning was inadequate because he did not ensure that sufficient fuel was onboard for the flight, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's inadequate preflight fuel planning, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and a subsequent total loss of engine power and impact with a pole during a forced landing.

Full Narrative

On February 23, 2018, about 1415 eastern standard time, a Boeing B75N1, N62438, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Zephyrhills, Florida. The pilot was not injured, and the passenger sustained minor injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The pilot reported that, before departure, the airplane had 17 gallons of fuel for the flight to Zephyrhills Municipal Airport (ZPH), Zephyrhills, Florida, where he planned to stop to refuel. He added that, after 45 minutes of flight and while the airplane was descending through about 1,800 ft above ground level, the engine lost power. While on final approach and about 3 miles from the airport, he realized that the airplane would not reach the runway, so he chose to conduct an emergency landing on a road. Just before touchdown, the right wing impacted a traffic light pole and then the airplane impacted the ground. Examination of the airplane revealed that the engine and the right upper and lower wings had separated from the airplane. Examination of the engine revealed that the propeller was still attached to the engine and that the propeller blades were fractured. The No. 4 cylinder exhibited impact damage, and the engine crankshaft could not be rotated. No debris was found in the carburetor floats and bowl. A small amount of debris was found in the carburetor fuel screen. The fuel sump was still attached to the engine, and debris was found in the fuel sump screen. No fuel was found in the fuel system.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:15 EST
Nearest AirportZephyrhills Muni (0nm WNW)
Runway23
Runway Length5000 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftStearman B75 N1
Tail NumberN62438
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · W670-6N · Reciprocating · 220
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury), 1 uninjured
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured1
Total2
Crew 1Age 60 · First Class · None
Crew 2Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point61 F
Altimeter30.29 inHg
Observation Time19:15
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data