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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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June 13, 2021 · Boeing B75N1 · N777JG

Elwood, NE

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 13, 2021
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Elwood, NE
Aircraft
Boeing B75N1 (1942)
Tail Number
N777JG
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN21LA264

The pilot reported that he heard a “loud bang” from the engine during cruise flight, which was followed by “severe vibration.” The pilot moved the throttle to idle, but the vibration got worse. The pilot then applied full throttle, and the engine seemed to run smoothly. However, the engine subsequently began to lose power, and the airplane was unable to maintain altitude. About 0.75 miles from the runway, the engine completely lost power, and the pilot executed a forced landing to a cornfield, during which the airplane nosed over which resulted in substantial damage to the upper left wing and struts. Partial disassembly of the engine revealed that the master rod, that connects the piston in one cylinder to the crankshaft, had failed.

NTSB Probable Cause

The failure of the engine master rod, resulting in a total loss of engine power and a forced landing.

Full Narrative

On June 13, 2021, about 1330 central daylight time, a Boeing B75N1 Stearman airplane, N777JG, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Elwood, Nebraska. The pilot was not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The pilot reported that, while the airplane was in cruise flight at an altitude of about 1,000 ft above ground level, he heard a “loud bang” from the engine, which was followed by “severe vibration.” The pilot moved the throttle to idle, but the vibration got worse. The pilot applied full throttle, and the engine seemed to run smoother. Subsequently, the engine began to lose power, and the airplane was unable to maintain altitude. The engine lost total power when the airplane was in the base-to-final turn about 0.75 miles from the runway at an altitude of 200 ft above ground level. The pilot executed a forced landing to a cornfield. The airplane nosed over when the landing gear dug into the soft dirt, resulting in substantial damage to the upper left wing and struts. The pilot, who was also the owner of the airplane, reported that a partial disassembly of the engine revealed that the master rod, that connects the piston in one cylinder to the crankshaft, had failed. Several radial engine mechanics the pilot spoke to commented that a master rod failure was consistent with his description of the loss of engine power. The reason for the failure was not determined. The engine total time was 1,910 hours, and the time since major overhaul was 655.0 hours.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:30 CDT
Nearest AirportJohnson Lake (0.5nm NE)
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBoeing B75N1
Tail NumberN777JG
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · W670 · Reciprocating · 220
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 34 · Third Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind190° @ 9 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point63 F
Altimeter30.12 inHg
Observation Time13:35
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data