What happened
On April 7, 2010, at approximately 19:07 local time, a Boeing Stearman PT17 departed from Bienenfarm airfield for a local visual flight. During the circuit, several other vintage aircraft were also operating in the area. While flying at a low altitude over the runway, the aircraft made contact with a line of trees at approximately 19:27.
Despite the contact, the pilot reported that the aircraft remained fully controllable. To avoid a second line of trees located at the end of a nearby field, the pilot attempted a wingover (Ringelpiez) maneuver while landing on the field behind the initial tree line. This maneuver caused the aircraft to invert, resulting in the Boeing Stearman PT17 landing on its back and sustaining heavy damage. The two occupants of the aircraft were uninjured.
The investigation
The BFU examined the aircraft and the site of the accident. The investigation found that the aircraft's upper right wing and the vertical stabilizer/rudder had sustained compression damage. The fuselage fabric on the right side was torn for approximately one meter, and parts of the bracing wires were either broken or buckled. Additionally, the tips of both propeller blades were broken. No evidence of technical failure or mechanical malfunction was found.
Meteorological conditions at the time were clear with visibility exceeding 10 km and calm winds. The pilot held a valid PPL(A) and night flying qualification, as well as a US FAA license valid in conjunction with his German credentials. He also had documented training for tailwheel operations.
Findings
- The primary cause of the aircraft's inversion was the execution of a wingover maneuver during the landing roll to avoid obstacles.
- The aircraft sustained heavy damage to the wing, stabilizer, and propeller.
- There were no injuries to the two occupants and no fire occurred during the event.