Casualties unknown

Aircraft Strikes Vehicle on Private Airstrip During Landing (N48576)

Riverbank, CA, US

On June 14, 1998, a Boeing Stearman A75N1 (registration N48576) was involved in an aviation accident near Riverbank, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate visual lookout for on-coming ground traffic. 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

During landing on a private dirt strip, an aircraft touched down and became inverted after striking a vehicle. Neither the pilot nor the driver was aware of the other's presence, and no signage warned of low-flying aircraft.

Incident Overview

A pilot landing on a private dirt airstrip struck a vehicle during the landing roll, causing the aircraft to become inverted. The pilot reported that the runway was situated perpendicular to a road. Before landing, the pilot performed two overflights of the strip to check the landing direction and look for oncoming traffic. He stated that he observed no oncoming traffic.

Sequence of Events

According to the pilot, as he reached the threshold, 'things happened.' The aircraft touched down and became inverted, facing the approach end of the runway. The pilot reported that he did not realize the aircraft had struck a vehicle. Both the pilot and the driver of the vehicle stated that they were unaware of each other's presence.

Additional Details

No signage was available to warn vehicles of low-flying aircraft. The investigation did not specify the aircraft type, registration, number of engines, date, operator, location, occupants, injuries, or damage items.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 14 Jun 1998 Boeing Stearman A75N1 accident near Riverbank, CA?

During landing on a private dirt strip, an aircraft touched down and became inverted after striking a vehicle. Neither the pilot nor the driver was aware of the other's presence, and no signage warned of low-flying aircraft.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 14 Jun 1998 involved a Boeing Stearman A75N1, registration N48576, at Riverbank, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's inadequate visual lookout for on-coming ground traffic.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X10357. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.