On April 6, 1997, a Boeing Stearman B75N1 (registration N52507) operated by Wolfgang G. Yagen was involved in an aviation accident near Columbia, SC. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate planning/decision and failure to assure an adequate supply of fuel was on board the airplane. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot reported engine failure during descent. After restart and subsequent failure, the aircraft struck power lines during a forced landing on a highway. Investigation found no fuel in the tank.
Incident Narrative
According to the pilot's account, while performing a descent in preparation for landing, the engine abruptly stopped without any preceding reduction in power. In response, the pilot altered course toward a highway that he had identified as a suitable location for a forced landing and transmitted a distress call. The engine then restarted spontaneously, but after approximately 15 to 20 seconds of operation, it ceased functioning again. During the final approach segment, the aircraft struck overhead power lines and subsequently came to rest on the roadway.
Post-Event Examination
An examination of the aircraft was conducted following the incident. It was determined that the fuel tank had not been ruptured. However, the fuel tank was found to contain no fuel. The only information available regarding the events prior to the landing comes from the pilot's statement and the physical evidence of the empty fuel tank.