On September 2, 2000, a Boeing Stearman B75N1 (registration N66607) was involved in an aviation accident near Cape Girardeau, MO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's improper decision to continue the flight when the fuel sight gauge indicated empty and the exhausted fuel supply. A factor was the corn crop. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An airplane experienced a loss of engine power, forcing a landing in an un-harvested cornfield. Postaccident inspection found minimal fuel in the tanks.
Incident Overview
An airplane suffered a loss of engine power during flight, necessitating a forced landing. The aircraft came to rest in an un-harvested cornfield.
Postaccident Examination
A postaccident examination of the aircraft revealed no visible fuel in the fuel tank when viewed through the fuel cap. Draining of the fuel system produced approximately 1 to 1-1/2 cups of fuel from the right aft fuel tank drain and 2 to 3 cups from the left drain. The fuel tank sight glass showed no fuel. No other anomalies were identified that could be associated with a preexisting condition.
Conclusion
The investigation determined that the engine power loss occurred, but did not state a probable cause. The fuel quantity found was minimal, suggesting fuel exhaustion as a likely factor, though this was not explicitly cited by the report.