No fatalities

Vintage Tailwheel Aircraft Noses Over After Crosswind Landing (N55501)

Delevan, WI, US

On September 3, 1993, a Boeing Stearman A75N1 (registration N55501) operated by Jay Brost was involved in an aviation accident near Delevan, WI. No fatalities were reported. 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.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-19Data APIEditorial standards

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.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 3 Sept 1993 Boeing Stearman A75N1 accident near Delevan, WI?

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.

Were there any fatalities in the 3 Sept 1993 Boeing Stearman A75N1 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 3 Sept 1993 involved a Boeing Stearman A75N1, registration N55501, operated by Jay Brost, at Delevan, WI.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during a crosswind landing, which resulted in the aircraft nosing over.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X13365. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.