On September 3, 1993, a Boeing Stearman A75N1 (registration N55501) operated by Jay Brost was involved in an aviation accident near Delevan, WI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during a crosswind landing, which resulted in the aircraft nosing over. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A vintage tailwheel airplane nosed over during a crosswind landing on runway 36, resulting in damage to the vertical stabilizer, rudder, and upper wing surface.
What happened
The aircraft touched down on runway 36 while encountering crosswind conditions. According to the pilot seated in the front seat, who was also a passenger, the airplane began to weather vane immediately after the tailwheel made contact with the ground. In response to this deviation, the pilot occupying the rear seat applied hard rudder and brake inputs. These corrective actions caused the aircraft to nose over.
The investigation
Post-accident examination revealed significant structural damage resulting from the nosing-over incident. The vertical stabilizer and rudder were damaged. Additionally, the upper surface of the top wing sustained damage during the event.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during a crosswind landing, which resulted in the aircraft nosing over.