On May 1, 1987, a Stearman PT-17 (registration N3993P) operated by George Enman was involved in an aviation accident near Hampton, NH. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during a go-around in adverse weather conditions, which resulted in windshear and/or downdrafts preventing a climb. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A Stearman aircraft was unable to climb after initiating a go-around due to windshear and downdrafts, resulting in a collision with trees at the end of the runway.
What happened
The pilot was conducting a flight when the aircraft encountered difficulties during the landing phase. While on final approach, the pilot reported that the aircraft experienced moderate crosswind conditions. As the aircraft reached approximately midfield over the runway, the decision was made to execute a go-around maneuver.
However, the aircraft was unable to achieve a climb gradient due to the presence of windshear and/or downdrafts. Consequently, the Stearman collided with several tall trees located off the end of the runway. The aircraft came to rest at the base of one of these trees.
The investigation
The physical evidence indicated that the aircraft sustained significant damage from the impact with the vegetation. The inability to climb was directly attributed to the atmospheric conditions encountered during the go-around attempt.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during a go-around in adverse weather conditions, which resulted in windshear and/or downdrafts preventing a climb.