Aircraft and Flight Details
The aircraft involved was a Boeing A75N1 Stearman, registration G-BNIW, manufactured in 1941 and powered by a single Pratt & Whitney R-985-AN14B piston engine. The flight was private, with one pilot and one passenger on board. The pilot, aged 58, held a Private Pilot's Licence and had logged 1,028 hours total flying experience, including 278 hours on type. He had flown 4 hours in the previous 90 days and none in the last 28 days.
Accident Sequence
On 18 July 2004 at approximately 1000 hours UTC, the pilot executed a landing on Runway 26 at Stoke Golding Airfield, near Nuneaton, Warwickshire. The grass strip, oriented 26/08, measured 525 metres in length and 25 metres in width, with 4-foot-high hedges at each end. The runway sloped uphill to an apex about halfway, then downhill to the opposite end. Weather conditions were reported as ceiling and visibility OK (CAVOK) with light, variable winds and no significant weather.
The pilot used an approach speed of 70 knots and a threshold speed of 65 knots, touching down in a three-point attitude approximately 100 metres into the strip. The grass was described as wet and damp. At the apex of the runway, the pilot applied wheel braking. The wheels initially locked and skidded along the downhill portion until, at an estimated speed of 15 knots and about 90 metres from the end of the strip, the braking appeared to become effective. The aircraft then tipped forward and came to rest inverted.
Damage and Injuries
The accident resulted in damage to the tail and rudder, and crushing of the upper wings, one propeller blade, and the spinner. Both occupants, wearing four-point harnesses, were uninjured.
Pilot's Observations
The pilot reported that the lack of headwind and the dampness of the grass contributed to the accident.