Casualties unknown

Stall During Climb Following Short Field Takeoff (N65BH)

Fostoria, OH, US

On August 17, 2002, a Boeing Stearman E75L300 (registration N65BH) was involved in an aviation accident near Fostoria, OH. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A missing flight control sealed bearing, which resulted in a loss of control in flight. 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 stalled during a left bank climb after a short field takeoff, then struck the ground. Investigation found a missing bearing in the flight control system.

Accident Sequence

According to the official investigation, the airplane departed on a short field takeoff and began to climb. When it reached the end of the runway at 100 feet above ground level, the aircraft initiated a left bank of 10 to 15 degrees. Simultaneously, the nose pitched up, airspeed decreased, and an aerodynamic stall occurred. The left wing and nose then pitched downward toward the ground. Subsequently, the wings began to level, and the airplane appeared to be recovering from the dive when it struck the ground in a flat attitude.

Post-Accident Examination

A post-accident examination revealed that the sealed bearing connecting the front seat control column to the aileron/elevator push-pull tube was missing. The airplane had recently undergone an annual maintenance inspection.

Additional Information

No further details regarding the aircraft type, registration, number of occupants, injuries, or environmental conditions were provided in the source.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 17 Aug 2002 Boeing Stearman E75L300 accident near Fostoria, OH?

An airplane stalled during a left bank climb after a short field takeoff, then struck the ground. Investigation found a missing bearing in the flight control system.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 17 Aug 2002 involved a Boeing Stearman E75L300, registration N65BH, at Fostoria, OH.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

A missing flight control sealed bearing, which resulted in a loss of control in flight.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020829X01482. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.