On March 7, 2001, a Boeing Stearman E75 (registration N75848) was involved in an aviation accident near Heber, UT. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Uncommanded locking of the right brake, resulting in loss of control and nose over during landing. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot reported a normal landing that turned into a nosedive after the airplane pulled to the right. Postaccident inspection revealed the right wheel was nearly impossible to turn, indicating brake binding.
Accident Summary
The accident occurred during the landing roll. The pilot reported the approach was normal, and the touchdown was on the runway centerline in a 3-point attitude. The wind was calm.
Pilot Report
Upon touchdown, the airplane immediately "pulled to the right," and the pilot corrected. The airplane then decelerated rapidly and nosed over.
Postaccident Inspection
A postaccident inspection disclosed that the right wheel was nearly impossible to turn, while the left wheel turned freely. The pilot suspected that the right brake was binding and that the condition worsened as the brake heated during the landing roll.
Aircraft Damage
The upper wing ribs and vertical stabilizer were crushed.