Casualties unknown

2002-11-11: Boeing Stearman A75 (N62897) — William A. Goodwin — Glade Spring, VA

Glade Spring, VA, US

On November 11, 2002, a Boeing Stearman A75 (registration N62897) operated by William A. Goodwin was involved in an aviation accident near Glade Spring, VA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's improper in-flight decision to fly at an altitude that did not allow for successful completion of a forced landing, after the engine lost power for undetermined reason(s). A factor was the unsuitable terrain. 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

A Boeing A75 performing low-level flying after a formation flyover experienced an engine power loss. The pilot attempted corrective actions but was unable to restore power, resulting in a forced landing with tree strike and inversion. Cause undetermined.

Incident Overview

A Boeing A75 aircraft, operating as part of a three-ship formation, participated in a parade flyover. After completing the flyover, the formation proceeded toward their departure airport. En route, the accident aircraft departed the formation and engaged in low-level flying.

Pilot Report

The pilot reported that while maneuvering at a low altitude, the engine lost power. He initiated a forced landing, during which the airplane struck trees and came to rest inverted. The pilot attempted to restore engine power by applying carburetor heat, adjusting the throttle position, verifying that the mixture was set to rich, and cycling the magneto switch positions. None of these actions restored power.

Post-Accident Examination

Following the accident, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) examined the aircraft. Fuel was found in the right wing tank. Despite the examination, the cause of the power loss was not determined.

Aircraft and Operations

The aircraft involved was a Boeing A75. No further details about the aircraft, such as registration or engine configuration, were provided in the source. The operation was part of a formation flyover for a parade, after which the aircraft engaged in low-level flight before the power loss occurred.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20021122X05509. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.