On June 12, 2003, a Boeing Stearman E75 (registration N6030V) was involved in an aviation accident near Casa Grande, AZ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate compensation for the wind conditions, and his failure to maintain aircraft control resulting in an inadvertent ground loop. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An airplane entered a ground loop on landing after a crosswind gust lifted the right wing, causing a veer and wingtip strike. The aircraft came to rest inverted. Weather reports indicated gusty crosswinds.
Overview
An airplane experienced a ground loop at touchdown after a crosswind gust occurred. The event unfolded during the landing rollout.
Sequence of Events
The gust lifted the right wing, causing the aircraft to deviate 20 degrees to the right of the runway. The pilot added power in an attempt to regain control, but the left wingtip struck the ground. The airplane then ground looped and came to a stop inverted approximately 40 yards north of the runway.
Weather Conditions
According to the Automated Weather Observation Station (AWOS), wind was from 200 degrees at 10 knots gusting to 15 knots. The Aviation Routine Weather Report (METAR) gave wind from 280 degrees at 8 knots gusting to 17 knots.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 12 Jun 2003 Boeing Stearman E75 accident near Casa Grande, AZ?
An airplane entered a ground loop on landing after a crosswind gust lifted the right wing, causing a veer and wingtip strike. The aircraft came to rest inverted. Weather reports indicated gusty crosswinds.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 12 Jun 2003 involved a Boeing Stearman E75, registration N6030V, at Casa Grande, AZ.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's inadequate compensation for the wind conditions, and his failure to maintain aircraft control resulting in an inadvertent ground loop.
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