Accident Details
On April 28, 2016, about 1510 central daylight time, a Boeing A75N1 (PT-17) single-engine airplane, registration N17PY, impacted terrain after a loss of engine power. The accident occurred shortly after departing Osage City Municipal Airport (53K), Osage City, Kansas. The airplane was operated by a private individual under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a sport parachuting flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed.
Flight and Events
The airplane departed with the pilot seated in the rear cockpit and two parachutists standing outside on the lower wing. The parachutists held onto the edge of the front cockpit and were secured by a safety strap. After climbing to about 200 ft above ground level, the pilot sensed a loss of engine power and the airplane stopped climbing. The pilot executed an off-airport forced landing to a flat open field about 1,600 feet north of the airport. The airplane cleared 32-foot tall electric power lines and came to rest upright approximately 100 feet from the initial touchdown point.
Damage and Postaccident Examination
The airplane landed hard on the muddy field, resulting in the complete separation of both main landing gear legs. The two parachutists reported they were not ejected and remained restrained by the safety strap. A postaccident examination revealed substantial damage to the lower wing and fuselage. There was adequate fuel on board, no fuel spill, and no postimpact fire. Flight control continuity was confirmed. The pilot stated he did not use carburetor heat.
Engine Examination
An examination of the engine and its components showed no anomalies. Inspection and testing of the engine spark plugs indicated normal wear and full functionality. The wiring harness was visually inspected and appeared normal. Both magnetos were bench tested and found fully functional.
Weather Conditions
The closest weather reporting station was at FOE, Topeka, Kansas, located 20 miles northeast of the accident location. At 1453, the automated surface observation system recorded wind from 330 degrees at 13 knots, visibility 10 miles, scattered clouds at 2,700 ft above ground level, temperature 16°C, dew point 8°C, and an altimeter setting of 29.96 inches of Mercury. A review of the carburetor icing probability chart indicated the airplane was operating in an area favorable for serious icing at glide power.