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Airplane Damaged During Takeoff Maneuver to Avoid Power Lines (N4558N)

Marissa, IL, US

On June 8, 2001, a Boeing Stearman A-75 (registration N4558N) was involved in an aviation accident near Marissa, IL. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's manuever to avoid obstructions and his failure to abort takeoff. The pilot's failure to establish adequate climb, and the transmission wire are contributing factors. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

An airplane was damaged during a takeoff maneuver to avoid power lines. The pilot reported reduced performance after a propeller change and attempted to land, but the wing tip struck the ground, causing the aircraft to flip over.

Event Description

The airplane sustained damage while maneuvering to avoid power lines during takeoff. According to the pilot, he was attempting to land in a field on the left side of the 2,100-foot long grass runway when the wing tip contacted the ground, causing the airplane to "flip over on it's back."

Pilot Statements

Prior to the flight, the airplane's propeller was changed. The pilot stated that the airplane was not performing as expected and he did not think he could clear the power lines. He noted that the engine was operating as expected and the static RPM "seemed okay." However, the pilot remarked that the airplane's performance was better prior to the propeller change.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 8 Jun 2001 Boeing Stearman A-75 accident near Marissa, IL?

An airplane was damaged during a takeoff maneuver to avoid power lines. The pilot reported reduced performance after a propeller change and attempted to land, but the wing tip struck the ground, causing the aircraft to flip over.

Were there any fatalities in the 8 Jun 2001 Boeing Stearman A-75 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 8 Jun 2001 involved a Boeing Stearman A-75, registration N4558N, at Marissa, IL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's manuever to avoid obstructions and his failure to abort takeoff. The pilot's failure to establish adequate climb, and the transmission wire are contributing factors.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20010620X01218. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.