Probable cause: The delayed application of carburetor heat by the pilot which led to accumulation of carburetor ice, eventual loss of engine power, and the subsequent forced landing in high vegetation.
NTSB
Loose fuel cap leads to fuel exhaustion
Probable cause: A loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion and the pilot’s failure to ensure that the left-wing fuel cap was secure before flight. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to monitor fuel levels while in flight.
Inadequate maintenance proves fatal for pilot
Probable cause: The pilot’s inadequate maintenance of the airplane, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation when organic debris restricted available fuel to the carburetor, and the pilot’s impairment due to the ingestion of alcohol, which affected his ability to safely operate the airplane following the loss of engine power.
Stearman crashes after bolt breaks off in brakes
Probable cause: The failed retaining bolt and cracked backing plate, which resulted in a shift of the brake lining to contact the brake drum and a subsequent wheel lock when the brakes were applied.
Fuel exhaustion leads to forced landing
Probable cause: The pilot’s improper preflight fuel planning, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.
Pilot intentionally crashes into his home
Probable cause: The pilot’s intentional flight into his residence.
Pilot crashes after engine cowling opens on takeoff
Probable cause: The pilot’s failure to maintain airspeed after being startled and distracted when the engine cowling opened during takeoff, which led to a subsequent impact with terrain.
Loss of engine power fatal for pilot
Probable cause: The pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control following a total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.
Pilot loses control while landing with a flat tire
Probable cause: A flat nosewheel tire, which resulted in the pilot’s inability to maintain directional control on landing.







