# NTSB SEA88LA087: Stearman A-75-N1, N53125, Medford, OR, May 1, 1988

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 1, 1988, 15:44 local (22:44 UTC)
- Place: Medford, OR
- Coordinates: 42.280204, -122.900802 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=42.2802&lon=-122.9008&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 2 minor
- Status: Completed, report February 28, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 40810
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA88LA087
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/40810/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA88LA087

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(partial) - nonmechanical, maneuvering
  - aerobatics - performed, pilot in command (cause)
  - maneuver - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - fuel system,carburetor float - disabled (cause)
  - fluid,fuel - starvation (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing - flare/touchdown
  - terrain condition - none suitable (contributing factor)
  - object - tree(s)

## Analysis

PLT PERFORMED A NEGATIVE 'G' MANEUVER, ESTIMATED AT 2 TO 2.5 NEGATIVE 'G' FORCE, FOLLOWING WHICH THE ENGINE LOST POWER. A FORCED LANDING WAS ACCOMPLISHED IN SCRUB TREES. THE ENGINE IS EQUIPPED WITH A FLOAT CARBURETOR. THERE WERE INDICATIONS THAT THE CAUSE OF POWER LOSS WAS NEGATIVE 'G' DISPLACEMENT OF ONE OR BOTH FLOATS IN THE CARBURETOR BOWL (STUCK FLOAT), RESULTING IN FUEL STARVATION.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N53125](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N53125), registered now, S/N 75-2227, built 1942 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: STEARMAN A-75-N1
- Registry model: [Boeing A75N1(PT17)](https://openairdocs.org/model/boeing-a75n1-pt17) (registry code 1380134) (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: 75-1773
- Airframe hours: 5392
- Engines: P&W R-985-AN3 450 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: George F. Demartini
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Aerobatic
- Last inspection: Annual, July 2, 1987
- Departed: MFR, MEDFORD, OR

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 57; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land, single-engine sea; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: front; flight hours: 2,455 total, 475 in this make and model, 2,400 as pilot in command, 2 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 280° at 4 knots
- Visibility: 30 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 25,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 55 °F, dew point 28 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: MFR, 3 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 19880501011199A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19880501011199A), May 1, 1988: Boeing A75N1, Medford, OR, Substantial damage. Hit trees during forced landing. Had power loss following negative g maneuver. Apparently unported fuel condition.

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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