Occurrence
On 9 April 2023 at 15:48 UTC, a Boeing Stearman Model 75 (registration N/A) sustained substantial damage during a runway excursion at Kortrijk/Wevelgem Airport (EBKT). The aircraft was performing a local cross-country flight after completing a prior flight one hour earlier. The pilot reported that pre-flight checks were normal.
Sequence of Events
The pilot performed aerial exercises including steep turns, stall recovery, and slow flight west of the airfield. After returning to the traffic pattern, the aircraft joined the downwind leg for runway 06 at an altitude of 900 ft, lower than the recommended 1000 ft. The pilot received wind information from AFIS: 150°/07 kt on short final. The approach speed was 90 mph, and the pilot intended a wheel landing to maintain rudder authority given the crosswind from the right.
The aircraft touched down on both main wheels at approximately 80-85 mph near the beginning of the runway but left of the centreline. The pilot applied right rudder to correct, but the tailwheel then contacted the ground. The aircraft became uncontrollable, swerved right, the right wing rose, and the left wing struck the runway. The pilot attempted left rudder but could not regain control. The aircraft veered off the runway, its left main landing gear struck a runway light, and the gear dug into the grass. The engine cowling hit the ground, and the aircraft flipped over, coming to rest inverted. The ELT activated due to a peak deceleration of +2.3 G.
Injuries and Damage
Neither the pilot nor the passenger sustained injuries. Both exited the aircraft unaided after switching off the magnetos, fuel valve, and master switch. No fire or fuel smell was present. The aircraft sustained damage to the cowling, propeller, governor, engine, both upper wing skins, left lower wing and ailerons, fuselage torsion, and distorted fin and rudder. The runway edge light was also damaged.
Pilot and Aircraft Information
The pilot, aged 49, held a PPL(A) issued 7 August 2014 with a valid Class 2/LAPL medical certificate. Total flying experience was 391 hours, with 264 hours as PIC and 264 hours on taildragger aircraft, including 34 hours on the Boeing Stearman. The last flight with an instructor was 13 June 2021. The pilot had previously landed with higher crosswind components.
The Boeing Stearman Model 75 was built in 1942 with a MTOW of 1195 kg. It was powered by a Pratt & Whitney R-985 Wasp radial engine and fitted with a Hamilton Standard 2D30 propeller. The tailwheel was free-moving and not steerable. The last annual inspection was 8 July 2022; the airframe had 49 hours since restoration in June 2021.
Meteorological and Aerodrome Information
Recorded meteorological data at EBKT at 15:22 UTC showed variable wind direction and speed, transitioning from a right crosswind to a slight tailwind for runway 06. The aerodrome is non-controlled with an Aerodrome Flight Information Service (AFIS). Runway 06/24 is 1900 m x 45 m, asphalt surface.
Survival Aspects
Both occupants wore 4-point upper torso restraints. The ELT transmission alerted the Rescue Co-ordination Centre, but contact with the pilot was delayed 20 minutes as the centre lacked his contact details.
Safety Topics Identified
The investigation identified human factors related to aircraft control, environmental factors including crosswind and runway edge lighting, and noted that the concrete base of the runway edge light likely increased impact forces and contributed to the aircraft flipping over.