Casualties unknown

1994-10-15: Boeing Stearman PT-17 (N4923N) — Fitchburg, MA

Fitchburg, MA, US

On October 15, 1994, a Boeing Stearman PT-17 (registration N4923N) was involved in an aviation accident near Fitchburg, MA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A sudden wind gust from the right caused the aircraft to veer, resulting in a wing tip strike and excursion from the runway during a low-speed landing. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A student pilot and a flight instructor were involved in a landing incident where a sudden wind gust caused the aircraft wing tip to strike the pavement.

What happened

A certified flight instructor (CFI) and a student pilot, who had 26 hours of flight time, departed for a local training flight in their aircraft. During the landing phase on runway 32, the aircraft touched down approximately 1,000 feet from the approach end of the runway.

As the aircraft was on the ground, a sudden gust of wind originated from the right side. The instructor attempted to counteract the wind by applying heavy left rudder and braking, but these inputs were ineffective. During the struggle to maintain directional control, the left wing tip struck the pavement.

The momentum of the aircraft carried it off the runway onto the adjacent turf. While the left brake remained locked, causing the loop to halt, the nose of the aircraft slowly tipped downward. The occupants were not injured during the event.

Findings

The instructor noted that the entire incident occurred at a very low speed. This low airspeed appeared to be insufficient for the flight controls to provide any effective countering force against the sudden wind gust.

Probable cause

A sudden wind gust from the right caused the aircraft to veer, resulting in a wing tip strike and excursion from the runway during a low-speed landing.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001206X02511. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.