# NTSB SEA06LA006: Boeing B75N1, N5158N, Burlington, WA, October 15, 2005

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: October 15, 2005, 16:15 local (23:15 UTC)
- Place: Burlington, WA
- Coordinates: 48.474998, -122.374443
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=48.4750&lon=-122.3744&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report May 30, 2006
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- Parties: FAA FSDO
- NTSB case key (mKey): 62671
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA06LA006
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/62671/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA06LA006

## Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a utility pole during a precautionary landing.  The utility pole was a factor.

## Analysis

The pilot reported that he noted a reduction in engine power during the initial climb just after completing a touch-and-go landing at a private airstrip.  He stated that the airplane's takeoff and climb performance was diminished to a point where he elected to initiate an off airport landing to a nearby field.  During the approach to the field, the airplane collided with a utility pole resulting in an uncontrolled descent and collision with terrain.

## Factual narrative

On October 15, 2005, about 1615 Pacific daylight time, a Boeing B75N1 (Stearman), N5158N, sustained substantial damage following an in-flight collision with a utility pole and subsequent collision with terrain approximately 2 miles east of the Skagit Regional Airport, Burlington, Washington.  The airplane, which is registered to Knutzen Farms, was being operated by the pilot as a visual flight rules (VFR) local flight under the provisions of Title 14, CFR Part 91, when the accident occurred.  The commercial pilot and passenger were uninjured in the crash.  Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the flight that originated from Skagit Regional approximately 30 minutes prior to the accident.

The pilot reported that he noted a reduction in engine power during the initial climb just after completing a touch-and-go landing at a private airstrip near Burlington.  He stated that the airplane's takeoff and climb performance was diminished to a point where he elected to initiate an off airport landing to a nearby field.  During the approach to the field, the airplane collided with a utility pole resulting in an uncontrolled descent and collision with terrain.

The basis of the rough running engine was not determined.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, descent
  - object - pole (contributing factor)
  - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - terrain condition - ground

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N5158N](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N5158N), registered now, S/N 75-6893, built 1942 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Boeing B75N1
- Registry model: [Boeing B75N1](https://openairdocs.org/model/boeing-b75n1) (registry code 1380144) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental W670 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-w670-series) (registry code 17018, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 75-6893
- Airframe hours: 13
- Engines: Continental W-670-16 220 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Part 91
- Operator: Roger J. Knutzen
- Registered owner: Knutzen Farms
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, July 1, 2005, 13 hours before
- Departed: 75S, BURLINGTON/MOUN, WA
- Destination: Burlington, WA
- Airport: Knutzen Farm, runway 36, 2,600 × 120 ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 67; injuries: none; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, with waivers/limitations; last flight review June 1, 2004; seat: front; flight hours: 225 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 310° at 3 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 55 °F, dew point 55 °F
- Altimeter: 29.95 inHg

## 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 20051015022869A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20051015022869A), Oct 15, 2005: Boeing B75N1, Burlington/Mt, WA, Substantial damage. (-23) Aircraft failed to develop power during touch and go departure.

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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