N62438

Substantial
Minor

STEARMAN B75S/N: 75-6757

Accident Details

Date
Friday, February 23, 2018
NTSB Number
ERA18LA086
Location
Zephryhills, FL
Event ID
20180223X55649
Coordinates
28.228055, -82.156112
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
1
Uninjured
1
Total Aboard
2

Probable Cause and Findings

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.

Aircraft Information

Registration
N62438
Make
STEARMAN
Serial Number
75-6757
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1940
Model / ICAO
B75ST6
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
SALE REPORTED
Address
14108 RED HAWK RD
Status
Deregistered
City
TALLAHASSEE
State / Zip Code
FL 32312-9723
Country
United States

Analysis

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.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ERA18LA086