No fatalities

6 Oct 2018: Stearman A75N1(PT17) — New Orleans, LA

New Orleans, LA, United States

On 6 Oct 2018, a Stearman A75N1(PT17) Undesignat was involved in an aviation accident near New Orleans, LA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during a crosswind landing. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 4 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 1778583330Data APIEditorial standards

A tailwheel-equipped biplane experienced a hard landing in crosswind conditions, veered off the runway, and ground looped during an aborted go-around. Substantial damage occurred to both lower wings and elevator.

Event Details

A pilot reported that while landing in a crosswind, the tailwheel-equipped biplane was "thrusted downward violently" and landed hard. Subsequently, the biplane veered right off the runway. The pilot attempted a go-around, but after applying power realized the need for full left aileron to maintain heading. He decided to abort the go-around and reduced power to land. During the landing, he used brakes to avoid airport signs in the landing path, the right main tire "got some traction", and the biplane ground looped to the right.

Damage

The biplane sustained substantial damage to both lower wings and the elevator.

Pilot Report

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the biplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Weather Conditions

According to the pilot, the temperature was 80°F, visibility was 10 miles in light rain showers, the wind was from 110° at 15 knots, and there was a scattered cloud layer at 2,200 feet. He further reported terrain-induced moderate turbulence. The automated weather observation system at the accident airport reported that, about the time of the accident, the temperature was 88°F, dew point was 75°F, visibility was 10 miles, the wind was from 110° at 11 knots, and there was a broken layer of clouds at 2,800 feet. The pilot was landing on runway 18L.

Contributing factors

Causes

Directional control — Not attained/maintainedPilot

Other contributing factors

Effect on operation