Casualties unknown

1997-06-07: Boeing Stearman A75N1 (N450MF) — Ronald A. Caraway — Lemoore, CA

Lemoore, CA, US

On June 7, 1997, a Boeing Stearman A75N1 (registration N450MF) operated by Ronald A. Caraway was involved in an aviation accident near Lemoore, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: failure of the pilot to maintain directional control of the airplane during the landing, which resulted in a ground swerve and subsequent overload failure of the main landing gear. 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

During landing rollout, the pilot encountered a sudden left swerve. Applying go-around power induced a ground loop, collapsing both main landing gear and causing propeller contact with the runway.

Accident Sequence

During the landing rollout, the pilot reported a sudden swerve to the left that he was unable to control. In response, he applied full power to initiate a go-around. The application of engine power torqued the airplane into a fully developed ground loop. The aircraft continued rotating approximately 135 degrees before coming to rest.

As the ground loop progressed, both main landing gear collapsed. The collapse allowed the propeller to strike the runway surface. The pilot also stated that the right brake had faded during the landing rollout, which he believed affected his ability to control the initial swerve.

Aircraft Damage

Both main landing gear collapsed, and the propeller contacted the runway. The extent of additional damage is not specified in the source.

Pilot Statement

The pilot reported being unable to control the left swerve during the rollout. He noted that the right brake faded, and he felt this contributed to the loss of directional control. The go-around power application then induced the ground loop.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X08167. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.