# NTSB NYC01LA229: Boeing E75N1, N57940, Rhinebeck, NY, September 23, 2001 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: September 23, 2001, 17:50 local (21:50 UTC) - Place: Rhinebeck, NY - Coordinates: 41.919254, -73.89907 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.9193&lon=-73.8991&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 2 uninjured - Status: Completed, report May 1, 2003 - Report: Approved by Office Director - Parties: FAA FSDO-25 - NTSB case key (mKey): 53508 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC01LA229 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/53508/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC01LA229 ## Probable cause A partial power loss for undetermined reasons. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Loss of engine power(partial) - nonmechanical, takeoff - initial climb - reason for occurrence undetermined (cause) - In flight collision with object, takeoff - initial climb - object - tree(s) ## Analysis Within a 2-year period prior to the accident, the pilot had operated out of the 2,200-foot turf runway approximately 20 times. During the accident takeoff, the airplane was about 50 feet above the ground with 500 feet of runway remaining, when the engine "coughed." However, the pilot believed the engine continued to develop full power, and there was insufficient runway remaining to abort the takeoff. The pilot maintained a climb speed of 65 mph, but as the airplane neared the end of the runway, the climb rate decreased, and the airplane struck trees. The pilot stated that he usually cleared the trees by 100 feet. He added that the airplane was equipped with a mid-range metal propeller, and the fuel tanks were approximately ¾ full. The pilot further stated that 1 week after the accident, some witnesses told him that the engine didn't quite sound the same during the accident takeoff as it did during previous takeoffs, but nobody could positively confirm a power loss. Examination of the engine by an FAA inspector did not reveal any pre-impact mechanical malfunctions. ## Factual narrative On September 23, 2001, about 1750 eastern daylight time, a Boeing E75N1 (Stearman), N57940, was substantially damaged during takeoff from Old Rhinebeck Airport (NY94), Rhinebeck, New York. The certificated private pilot and passenger were not inured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the personal flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. The flight was destined for Cooperstown-Westville Airport (K23), Cooperstown, New York. The pilot reported that the taxi and pre-takeoff check seemed normal. He departed runway 02, a 2,200-foot long turf runway. During the initial climb, about 50 feet above the ground and with 500 feet of runway remaining, the engine "coughed." However, the engine continued to develop full power. The pilot added the engine had "coughed" in the past, but it was uncommon. With only 200 feet of runway remaining, the climb rate decreased. The pilot verified a correct climb speed of 65 mph and full engine power, but the airplane did not clear trees at the end of the runway. It came to rest in the trees, and the wings and fuselage were damaged. The pilot further stated the he had flown out of NY94 approximately 20 times during the past 2 years. The wind was usually out of the south, and he usually cleared the trees by 100 feet. On the day of the accident, the wind was a 4-5 knot direct crosswind. During the accident takeoff, there was approximately 33 gallons of fuel on board, and the airplane held a total of 46 gallons of useable fuel. The airplane was equipped with a metal propeller that was "in the middle," neither a climb nor cruise propeller. The pilot added that there were no performance charts for the airplane, "it liked to climb out at 65 mph and stalled at 55 mph." Additionally, about 1 week after the accident, some witnesses told the pilot that the engine didn't quite sound the same during the accident takeoff as it normally did. However, nobody could positively confirm a power loss. The pilot reported a total flight experience of 1,203 hours, of which, 117 hours were in the same make and model as the accident airplane. Examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector did not reveal any pre-impact mechanical malfunctions. The inspector attained at least "80/80" compression on all cylinders, and the magnetos sparked at all leads. The inspector added the pilot was using autogas, but it was absent of contamination. The reported wind at an airport approximately 20 miles south of the accident site, at 1753, was from 140 degrees at 3 knots. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N57940](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N57940), registered now, S/N 75-2803, built 1941 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Boeing E75N1 - Registry model: [Boeing E75N1](https://openairdocs.org/model/boeing-e75n1) (registry code 1380154) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Lycoming R680](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-r680) (registry code 41540, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 75-2803 - Airframe hours: 4299 - Engines: Lycoming R680-17-B4E 225 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Registered owner: Milton Palmer - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility - Last inspection: Annual, August 12, 2001, 25 hours before - Departed: NY94, Rhinebeck, NY - Destination: K23, Cooperstown, NY - Airport: NY94, Old Rhinebeck Airport, runway 02, 2,000 × 75 ft, grass/turf ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 46; injuries: none; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; last flight review March 13, 2000; seat: rear; flight hours: 1,203 total, 117 in this make and model, 1,203 as pilot in command, 83 in the last 90 days, 29 in the last 30 days, 2 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 140° at 3 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 66 °F, dew point 61 °F - Altimeter: 30.04 inHg - Observed at: POU, 20 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 20010923028539A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20010923028539A), Sep 23, 2001: Boeing E75N1, Rhinebeck, NY, No damage. (-23) During takeoff from a grass strip runway 02, during climb, aircraft engine began running rough, did not develop full power, struck treetops and crashed… 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. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.