What happened
The pilot was conducting a flight in a Boeing Stearman E-75 at low altitude while established on final approach to land. During this phase of flight, the aircraft experienced a total loss of engine power. Despite the mechanical failure, the pilot managed to touchdown safely in a field located just short of the runway.
However, the landing was not without incident. As the aircraft settled onto the ground, the left main landing gear struck a two-foot-high embankment. This impact caused the nose of the aircraft to pitch forward and overturn, resulting in a nose-over accident. The pilot reported that this was the first time the aircraft had been flown since its restoration.
The investigation
Post-accident analysis focused on the mechanical state of the aircraft and the pilot's account of the events leading up to the power loss. The pilot stated that the engine was running rich prior to the incident. He noted that when he advanced the throttle from idle to increase power, the engine "loaded up" and subsequently quit.
Findings
The investigation determined that the primary factor in this accident was a total loss of engine power. Contributing to the severity of the damage was the terrain at the landing site. The aircraft nosed over because the left landing gear contacted a two-foot-high embankment immediately upon touchdown in the field short of the runway.
Safety message
Pilots operating restored or recently maintained aircraft should be aware that engine tuning issues, such as running rich, can lead to sudden power loss during critical phases of flight like takeoff and landing. Additionally, selecting a landing site with clear, level terrain is essential to prevent secondary damage from ground contact.