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Casualties unknown

Former WWII Bi-Plane Trainer Noses Over During Wheel Landing (N55982)

St. Paul, MN, US

On August 8, 1992, a Boeing A75N1 (registration N55982) operated by John L. Van Atta was involved in an aviation accident near St. Paul, MN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S INATTENTIVENESS AND IMPROPER USE OF THE AIRPLANES BRAKES. A FACTOR WHICH CONTRIBUTED TO THIS ACCIDENT WAS THE INCORRECT BRAKE SYSTEM INSTALLED ON THE AIRPLANE. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A former World War II bi-plane trainer nosed over inverted during a wheel landing on a hard surface runway after the pilot applied right rudder to compensate for a left yaw from a crosswind. The aircraft was equipped with larger wheels and brakes from a heavier trainer; no FAA Form 337 was found for the installation.

Event Summary

During a wheel landing on a hard surface runway, the former World War II bi-plane trainer experienced a left yaw due to a light left-hand crosswind, according to the pilot. The pilot applied right rudder to compensate, and shortly after, the airplane nosed over inverted onto the runway.

Pilot Statement

The pilot stated that he has made hundreds of landings in the airplane and described it as "an airplane you cannot relax with on landings."

Aircraft Modifications

According to the pilot, the airplane was equipped with larger wheels and brakes that are normally found on another World War II training airplane weighing approximately 1,330 pounds more than the accident airplane.

FAA Records

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Aircraft Records Branch did not locate a record of an FAA Form 337 for this installation.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 8 Aug 1992 Boeing A75N1 accident near St. Paul, MN?

A former World War II bi-plane trainer nosed over inverted during a wheel landing on a hard surface runway after the pilot applied right rudder to compensate for a left yaw from a crosswind. The aircraft was equipped with larger wheels and brakes from a heavier trainer; no FAA Form 337 was found for the installation.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 8 Aug 1992 involved a Boeing A75N1, registration N55982, operated by John L. Van Atta, at St. Paul, MN.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S INATTENTIVENESS AND IMPROPER USE OF THE AIRPLANES BRAKES. A FACTOR WHICH CONTRIBUTED TO THIS ACCIDENT WAS THE INCORRECT BRAKE SYSTEM INSTALLED ON THE AIRPLANE.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X15357. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.