What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1998-05-27 involved a Boeing Stearman A75-N1, registration N49955, at West Fargo, ND.

Agricultural Aircraft Nos Over After Engine Failure (N49955)

On May 27, 1998, a Boeing Stearman A75-N1 (registration N49955) was involved in an aviation accident near West Fargo, ND. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain adequate fuel supply for the aerial application flight, which resulted in an engine power loss and a subsequent forced landing. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

An agricultural aircraft experienced an in-flight engine power loss, resulting in a forced landing on soft terrain where the airplane nosed over. No fuel was found at the site.

What happened

During an aerial application flight, the pilot reported that the engine lost power unexpectedly. Unable to maintain altitude or reach a suitable runway, the pilot executed a forced landing on soft terrain nearby. The impact caused the airplane to nosed over.

The investigation

Following the accident, investigators inspected the aircraft and the immediate accident site. They looked for evidence of fuel issues, which are common causes of engine failure in this type of operation.

Findings

The inspection revealed no indication of fuel remaining on board the airplane. Additionally, there was no sign of fuel leakage at the accident site. These findings suggest that the loss of power was not due to a visible external leak or obvious fuel contamination at the time of impact.

fuel exhaustion appears to be the likely cause given the lack of fuel on board and absence of leakage evidence.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate fuel supply for the aerial application flight, which resulted in an engine power loss and a subsequent forced landing.

1998-05-27: Boeing Stearman A75-N1 (N49955) — West Fargo, ND