# NTSB CHI90LA223: Stearman E-75, N5368N, Mt. Grove, MO, August 6, 1990

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 6, 1990, 09:30 local (14:30 UTC)
- Place: Mt. Grove, MO
- Coordinates: 37.130538, -92.259025 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=37.1305&lon=-92.2590&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report December 8, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 14744
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI90LA223
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/14744/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI90LA223

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE MAINTENANCE AND SERVICING OF THE AIRCRAFT. A FACTOR WAS WATER CONTAMINATION IN FUEL TANK.

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, takeoff - initial climb
  - fuel system - contamination
  - fuel system,tank - water
  - maintenance,service of aircraft/equipment - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - emergency procedure - performed, pilot in command
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with object, descent - emergency
  - object - tree(s)

## Analysis

THE VINTAGE AIRPLANE WAS MAKING TAKEOFF AND LANDINGS WHEN, ON ITS SECOND TAKEOFF, THE POWERPLANT FAILED DUE TO FUEL CONTAMINATION. THE AIRPLANE GLIDED STRAIGHT AHEAD AND CRASHED INTO THE TREES. POST CRASH INVESTIGATION BY THE FAA REVEALED RUST AND SCALE IN THE FUEL TANKS WHICH HAD BEEN RECENTLY CLEANED BY THE PILOT. THIS CONTAMINATION WAS NOT NOTICED BY THE PILOT DURING HIS PREFLIGHT INSPECTION.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N5368N](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N5368N), registered now, S/N 75-5128 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: STEARMAN E-75
- Registry model: [Boeing E75](https://openairdocs.org/model/boeing-e75) (registry code 1380120) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Pratt & Whitney R-985 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/pratt-whitney-r-985-series) (registry code 52008, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 75-5128
- Engines: P&W 985 450 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Robert D. Johnston
- Registered owner: Robert D Johnson
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 57; flight instructor, commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; flight hours: 10,000 total, 100 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 20° at 4 knots
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: -0 °F, dew point -0 °F
- Observed at: TBN, 37 nm away

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19900806031799A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19900806031799A), Aug 6, 1990: Boeing E75, Mountain Grove, MO, Substantial damage. Engine quit on climbout. Collided with trees. Aircraft had sat idle extended period. Fuel contaminated by rust.

## Other investigations on N5368N (1)

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

- [NTSB FTW72DRA53](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW72DRA53), Apr 26, 1972: Boeing E75 (N5368N), Fannett, TX, substantial damage

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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