Pilot Debrief

Stearman A75N1(PT17) near Kenosha, WI — 2018-08-31

Final reportCEN18LA360
Sign in to save
Date
2018-08-31
Location
Kenosha, WI, USA
Airport
ENW
Aircraft
Stearman A75N1(PT17)
Registration
N64604
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Landing

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.

NTSB narrative

The airline transport pilot had performed three touch-and-go maneuvers without braking. On the fourth and last planned landing roll about 30 mph, the airplane experienced an excessive tailwheel shimmy. About 25 mph, the airplane nosed over and came to rest inverted. Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed that the left main wheel/brake assembly was locked; thus, the wheel/tire could not be rotated. Partial disassembly of the wheel/brake assembly revealed a failed retaining bolt for the brake backing plate and a crack in the backing plate. The bolt likely broke off and became lodged in the assembly; thus, it is likely the failed retaining bolt and cracked backing plate resulted in a shift of the brake lining to contact the brake drum and led to a subsequent wheel lock when the brakes were applied.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Mechanical failure
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have inspected brakes before the last landing attempt.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents3

Related mishaps