Accident Details
At approximately 1100 mountain daylight time on September 13, 2023, a Boeing Stearman A75N1 (PT-17), registration N10KP, was substantially damaged during a forced landing near Monticello, Utah. The pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. The flight was conducted as a personal flight under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported that after completing the preflight checklist and engine run-up, he departed from runway 16 and remained in the airport traffic pattern. He performed a low pass over the runway, then turned left crosswind and began climbing. At approximately 500 ft above ground level, the engine began losing power. Although the engine did not fail completely, engine rpm and airspeed continued to decline. The pilot elected to make a forced landing onto flat, sage brush-covered terrain. During the landing roll, the left main landing gear collapsed, causing the lower left wing to strike the surface, resulting in substantial damage.
Examination Findings
Post-accident examination of the airframe and engine found no evidence of preexisting mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have prevented normal operation. Throttle and mixture control continuity was confirmed from the rear cockpit controls to the engine. The fuel system was intact with no leaks. The front spark plugs were removed, and manual rotation of the propeller established rotational continuity throughout the engine and valvetrain, with thumb compression obtained on all nine cylinders. When the starter was engaged, spark was present at all ignition leads.
Disassembly of the induction system revealed remnants of a high-temperature cloth located between the air filter and particle screen, but no additional cloth debris was found in the filter or screen. The carburetor remained secure at its mount, and actuation of the throttle produced fuel from the accelerator pump port. The carburetor fuel screen was clear of debris, and subsequent disassembly of the carburetor showed no abnormalities. Fuel samples from the airframe filter, carburetor, and fuel tank were free of debris and appeared blue in color.
Weather Conditions
Weather reported by Blanding Municipal Airport (BDG), approximately 21 nautical miles southwest of the accident site, indicated a temperature of 64.4°F and a dew point of 50°F around the time of the accident.