Pilot Debrief

Stearman A75N1(PT17) near New Orleans, LA — 2018-10-06

Final reportGAA19CA009
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Date
2018-10-06
Location
New Orleans, LA, USA
Airport
NEW
Aircraft
Stearman A75N1(PT17)
Registration
N56949
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Landing

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during a crosswind landing.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that, while landing in a crosswind, the tailwheel-equipped biplane was "thrusted downward violently" and landed hard. He added that the biplane then veered right off the runway. He then attempted a go-around, but after applying power, realized the need for full left aileron to maintain heading. He decided to abort the go-around and reduced power to land. During the landing, he used brakes to avoid airport signs in the landing path, the right main tire "got some traction," and the biplane ground looped to the right. The biplane sustained substantial damage to both lower wings and the elevator. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the biplane that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot reported that the wind was from 110° at 15 knots and that terrain-induced moderate turbulence existed. The automated weather observation system at the airport reported the following about the time of the accident: temperature 88°F, dew point 75°F, visibility 10 miles, wind from 110° at 11 knots, and a broken layer of clouds at 2,800 ft. The pilot was landing the biplane on runway 18L.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted landing earlier to avoid loss of control.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 2 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents2

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