Casualties unknown

1999-05-23: Boeing Stearman PT-27 (N59260) — Grainfield, KS

Grainfield, KS, US

On May 23, 1999, a Boeing Stearman PT-27 (registration N59260) was involved in an aviation accident near Grainfield, KS. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's improper in-flight decision and failure to maintain adequate clearance with the ground. 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 pilot reported that while flying 10-20 feet above a wheat field with a passenger videotaping motorcyclists on I-70, the airplane's wheels struck the grain and nosed over about 200 feet later.

Incident Overview

A pilot reported that while operating an airplane with a passenger on board, the aircraft experienced a nose-over after flying at low altitude over a wheat field.

Flight Details

The pilot stated that the passenger was videotaping a group of motorcyclists traveling on highway I-70. During the flight, the airplane was at an altitude of 10 to 20 feet above ground level. The pilot reported a left quartering tailwind of 20 to 23 mph.

Accident Sequence

The pilot described that the airplane felt as though it were being pushed down into the wheat field. Subsequently, the airplane's wheels began impacting the grain of the wheat field. Approximately 200 feet later, the airplane nosed over.

The source of this information is the official accident investigation report. No further details were provided regarding the aircraft type, registration, date, operator, or injuries.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X18727. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.