Boeing A75N1 Stearman LN-STM Accident at Stavanger Sola Airport

Incident Overview and Aircraft Details On 15 October 2020, a 1942 Boeing Airplane Company A75N1 Stearman, registration LN-STM, was involved in an accident at Stavanger Sola Airport (ENZV). The aircraft, powered by a Continental W-670 engine, was operated privately. The flight was a local trip with a passenger, and the pilot had planned a route south via Bryne. ## Flight and Landing Sequence The pilot and passenger were on board for a private flight. During the return leg, they decided to land near Sandnes due to the temperature. The pilot was cleared to use runway 29. The aircraft made an initial three-point landing but lifted slightly off the ground. On the second landing, the aircraft made a more decisive touchdown. According to the pilot, the aircraft made a sudden and unexplained movement to the right immediately after landing, causing it to head toward the right runway edge. ## Accident and Aftermath Unable to regain control using the rudder, the pilot applied the brakes, which caused the aircraft to overturn onto its back. The pilot evacuated first and then assisted the passenger out of the aircraft. Both individuals were uninjured. Smoke was observed from the engine shortly after the accident, and a fire truck arrived approximately thirty minutes later to douse the aircraft. ## Investigation and Safety Considerations The Norwegian Accident Investigation Board (SHK) assessed that the aircraft may have experienced a slight skid during the second landing, potentially triggering a ground loop. The pilot's automatic reaction to apply the brakes too hard resulted in the aircraft overturning. The investigation noted that the Boeing Stearman, designed in the 1930s as a trainer aircraft for grass runways, has a tailwheel configuration, high center of gravity, and narrow main wheel track, making landings on paved runways, particularly in crosswinds, challenging. A former grass runway at the airport was described by users as very good, but Avinor explained that establishing a new grass runway would require significant resources and ongoing maintenance costs.