Casualties unknown

2002-05-24: Stearman A75N1 (N5545F) — Panacea, FL

Panacea, FL, US

On May 24, 2002, a Stearman A75N1 (registration N5545F) was involved in an aviation accident near Panacea, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Loss of engine power due to fuel starvation resulting from fuel restriction through the fuel shutoff valve. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

An airplane lost engine power at 100 ft shortly after takeoff. The pilot attempted a runway landing, but the aircraft struck the runway in a nose-down attitude. Investigation revealed a fuel shutoff valve malfunction.

Incident Description

Shortly after takeoff, while the airplane was approximately 100 feet above the ground, the engine lost power and ceased operating. The pilot decided to attempt a landing on the remaining runway. Despite this effort, the airplane collided with the runway in a nose-down attitude estimated between 35 and 40 degrees.

Post-Incident Examination

During subsequent inspection of the aircraft, a discrepancy was found with the fuel shutoff valve. When the valve was turned to the off position, it closed completely. However, when the valve was opened, it only moved to a halfway position, even though the indicator showed it as fully open. This condition was discovered upon further investigation.

Sequence of Events

The engine failure occurred at low altitude immediately after departure. The pilot's chosen course of action was to return to the runway for landing. The subsequent impact with the runway occurred at a steep nose-down angle. No further details about the aircraft, pilot, or outcome were provided in the source.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020530X00768. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.