Incident Overview
On April 7, 2010, at approximately 19:27 local time, a Boeing Stearman A75N1 (PT17) suffered an accident near the Bienenfarm airfield. The aircraft had taken off from runway 12 around 19:07 for a local visual flight. During the flight, which included several traffic pattern circuits alongside other vintage aircraft, the plane flew over the runway at low altitude before colliding with a row of trees.
Emergency Response and Outcome
Following the impact with the vegetation, the pilot reported that the aircraft remained fully controllable. He decided to execute an emergency landing on a field located behind the tree line. To avoid striking another row of trees at the end of the field during rollout, the pilot initiated a spin maneuver. This action caused the aircraft to roll onto its back, resulting in severe damage to the airframe. Both occupants remained uninjured.
Aircraft and Environmental Conditions
The involved aircraft is an open, two-seat biplane with mixed construction, built in 1941. It is powered by a Continental R-670-5 radial engine producing 220 horsepower. The pilot held a valid German Private Pilot License (PPL(A)) and had received specific training for tailwheel aircraft operations.
Weather conditions at the time were clear with visibility exceeding 10 km and calm winds, according to the pilot. A METAR report from Berlin-Tegel airport, located approximately 40 km southeast, recorded CAVOK conditions, a temperature of 14 °C, and a QNH of 1,022 hPa at 19:20.
Investigation Findings
The aircraft was found lying on its back in the field. Damage included buckling of the upper right wing and vertical stabilizer, torn fuselage fabric on the right side, and broken propeller blade tips. No technical malfunctions were identified as a contributing factor. The investigation was conducted by the German Federal Aviation Office (BFU) under case number CX002-10.