What happened
On November 18, 2024, a Boeing A75N1(PT17), registration N55464, was involved in an accident near Huntington, West Virginia. The flight departed from Robert Newlon Field (I41) at approximately 1615 EST for a local flight alongside a second aircraft of similar make and model.
While flying at an altitude of approximately 1,800 feet above ground level, the pilot reduced the throttle to slow the aircraft and wait for the second plane to catch up. After maintaining this reduced power setting for an extended period, the engine suffered a total loss of power. The pilot attempted a forced landing into a railroad yard. During the maneuver, the aircraft's empennage struck a tree, forcing the nose into the terrain. The pilot was not injured, but the aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The investigation
Post-accident examinations of the airframe and engine were conducted after recovery from the site. The investigation noted the following mechanical details:
- The engine mounts were bent, and the engine was displaced downward.
- The wooden propeller had one broken and splintered blade tip, but no rotational signatures were present.
- The fuel system was inspected, including the fuel tank, which contained automotive fuel. The fuel tank cap o-ring was found to be dry and cracked.
- The fuel strainer was clean and contained approximately one cup of automotive fuel.
- The carburetor was damaged and displaced due to impact forces, but the fuel inlet screen was clear of debris.
- The 7-cylinder radial engine appeared visually undamaged, and compression was established on all cylinders during manual rotation.
- The magnetos were found to be functioning correctly and within manufacturer specifications.
- The oil filter showed no signs of contamination or debris.
Findings
Atmospheric conditions at the time of the accident were conducive to the development of serious icing at glide power. The pilot noted that carburetor heat was not applied before or after the loss of engine power, and suggested that the extended period of reduced power may have led to carburetor icing.