On October 9, 1999, a Boeing Stearman E75 (registration N52951) was involved in an aviation accident near Fredericksburg, PA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the inadequate visual lookout by the pilot of the Stearman. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A Taylorcraft BC12-D on landing roll was struck by a Stearman E-75 during touchdown, resulting in propeller strikes to the Taylorcraft's fuselage and wing.
Incident Description
At an uncontrolled airport, a Taylorcraft BC12-D had completed its landing and was rolling along the runway. Simultaneously, a Stearman E-75 was making its landing approach. During the Stearman's touchdown, its right main landing gear made contact with the left elevator of the Taylorcraft. Subsequently, the Stearman's propeller struck the left side fuselage and left wing of the Taylorcraft.
Pilot Report
The pilot of the Stearman reported, '...I scanned for traffic and obstacles on the runway...I lined up on center line, I flared for landing and just as I touched down I struck the Taylorcraft which is the first time myself or my passenger had seen it....'
The report indicates that neither the pilot nor the passenger of the Stearman observed the Taylorcraft on the runway prior to the collision.
