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Casualties unknown

Airplane Noses Over During Forced Landing After Windshear Encounter (N49738)

Jaffery, NH, US

On October 9, 2004, a Boeing Stearman B75-N1 (registration N49738) was involved in an aviation accident near Jaffery, NH. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilots inadvertent encounter with a downdraft wind condition and the airplane's inability to climb, which resulted in a forced landing. A factor related to the accident was the downdraft wind conditions. 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

While climbing after takeoff, an airplane descended due to windshear. The pilot performed a forced landing to avoid trees and a residential area, but the aircraft nosed over upon touchdown.

Accident Overview

During a climb after takeoff, at an altitude of approximately 300 to 350 feet, the airplane began to descend. The pilot interpreted this as windshear and prepared for a forced landing. To avoid trees and a residential area ahead, the pilot turned the airplane to the right and executed a forced landing in a field.

Forced Landing and Impact

The airplane touched down hard in the field, nosed over, and came to rest inverted.

Flight Conditions

The pilot reported observing the windsock prior to takeoff, which indicated a northwest wind at 15 knots. The engine was developing full power during the flight. An Automated Surface Observing System (ASOS) at the airport recorded winds approximately 30 minutes before the accident from 190 degrees at 11 knots. About 30 minutes after the accident, winds were reported from 200 degrees at 10 knots, gusting to 19 knots.

Weather

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 9 Oct 2004 Boeing Stearman B75-N1 accident near Jaffery, NH?

While climbing after takeoff, an airplane descended due to windshear. The pilot performed a forced landing to avoid trees and a residential area, but the aircraft nosed over upon touchdown.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 9 Oct 2004 involved a Boeing Stearman B75-N1, registration N49738, at Jaffery, NH.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilots inadvertent encounter with a downdraft wind condition and the airplane's inability to climb, which resulted in a forced landing. A factor related to the accident was the downdraft wind conditions.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20041109X01791. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.