On June 2, 1989, a Boeing Stearman A75N1 (registration N60812) operated by Lance Fenstermacher was involved in an aviation accident near Erwinna, PA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The instructor pilot's failure to maintain control of the aircraft during taxi due to a gust of wind that lifted the right wing. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A Stearman PT-17 lost control during taxi following a wind gust that lifted the right wing, causing the aircraft to veer off the runway and strike trees. The student pilot escaped uninjured while the instructor was trapped until help arrived.
What happened
The incident occurred when a Stearman PT-17 had completed its landing and was in the process of slowing down to clear the active runway. During this phase, a sudden gust of wind struck the aircraft, generating enough lift on the right wing to raise it off the ground. The instructor pilot immediately attempted to regain control by applying power and utilizing the left brake. Despite these corrective actions, the aircraft departed the paved surface to the left, descending an incline before impacting a stand of trees.
Findings
The collision with the vegetation resulted in significant damage to the upper wing structure. This deformation trapped the instructor pilot inside the cockpit, delaying their extraction until emergency assistance arrived on scene. The student pilot managed to exit the aircraft without sustaining any injuries.
Probable cause
The instructor pilot's failure to maintain control of the aircraft during taxi due to a gust of wind that lifted the right wing.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 2 Jun 1989 Boeing Stearman A75N1 accident near Erwinna, PA?
A Stearman PT-17 lost control during taxi following a wind gust that lifted the right wing, causing the aircraft to veer off the runway and strike trees. The student pilot escaped uninjured while the instructor was trapped until help arrived.
Were there any fatalities in the 2 Jun 1989 Boeing Stearman A75N1 accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 2 Jun 1989 involved a Boeing Stearman A75N1, registration N60812, operated by Lance Fenstermacher, at Erwinna, PA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The instructor pilot's failure to maintain control of the aircraft during taxi due to a gust of wind that lifted the right wing.
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