NTSB Factual Report

On February 23, 2018, about 1415 eastern standard time, a Boeing B75N1 Stearman, N62438, was substantially damaged during forced landing, after it experienced a total loss of engine power during approach to Zephyrhills Municipal Airport (ZPH), Zephyrhills, Florida. The certificated commercial pilot was not injured, and the passenger received minor injuries. The airplane was registered to and operated by a private individual under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed for the flight that departed Leesburg International Airport (LEE), Leesburg, Florida, at 1330.

The pilot reported that after checking to see if any aircraft were in the traffic pattern, he radioed that he was on a "straight-in" approach to runway 23. He said that the airplane was on the final approach leg of the traffic pattern about a 1/4 mile from the runway at an altitude of 1,500 ft above ground level when the engine began to "sputter" and then "quit." He attempted perform a forced landing on a road; however, just before touchdown the airplane's right wing collided with a traffic light pole. The airplane immediately descended and collided with the ground.

Initial examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed that the engine separated from the airframe. In addition, the right wing was separated from the fuselage. The airplane was recovered and retained for further examination.