What happened
On 19 May 2001, a Boeing A75N1 (PT-17) Stearman, registration N38940, was conducting a private flight near Tibenham, Norfolk. The pilot had descended from 3,500 feet and was performing a standard left-hand downwind leg for the grass runway 01 at Priory Farm Airstrip, operating in light westerly surface winds.
As the aircraft entered the final turn, the pilot noticed the plane losing altitude. An attempt to increase engine power to correct the descent path was unsuccessful, as the engine failed to respond. To avoid obstacles, the pilot directed the aircraft toward a landing area located approximately 45 degrees to the left of the approach path. This area was obstructed by power lines; because the aircraft lacked the necessary height and airspeed to clear them, the pilot flew beneath the wires.
This maneuver resulted in a heavy touchdown on soft ground while the aircraft was in a tail-down attitude. The impact caused the collapse of the main landing gear and damage to the propeller and the underside of the fuselage. There were no injuries to the pilot.
The investigation
Investigators examined the circumstances surrounding the engine's failure to increase power. The pilot noted that other aircraft in the vicinity had reported experiencing conditions conducive to carburettor icing. At the time of the incident, the pilot had already applied the carburettor heat.
Findings
- The aircraft suffered a loss of engine power during the final turn of the approach.
- The pilot was forced to land in a field containing power lines, necessitating a flight path below the wires.
- The lack of engine power response led to a heavy landing on soft ground.
- Damage was sustained to the propeller, the underside of the fuselage, and the main landing gear.