What happened
On 10 September 2005, a Boeing A75N1 Stearman, registration G-BTFG, was performing a private flight at Manston Airport in Kent. Following a thirty-minute trial lesson, the pilot executed a landing on Runway 10. The landing was performed in a three-point attitude and proceeded without issue until the aircraft's speed decreased to roughly 30 kt.
At this low speed, a gust of wind caused the left wing to lift. The pilot attempted to use left aileron and rudder to counteract this motion, though the pilot later reported no specific recollection of these control inputs. This resulted in the aircraft yawing to the left, causing the left wing tip to strike the ground. Subsequently, the aircraft yawed to the right, eventually coming to a stop nearly 180 degrees from its original runway heading.
The investigation
Investigators examined the aircraft and the runway surface following the incident. Physical evidence on the runway indicated that the landing gear had collapsed after the aircraft had already begun a rightward yaw. The investigation noted that during ground loop events, pilots may inadvertently lose control by overcorrecting the initial swing in the opposite direction. There were no injuries to the two crew members on board, and the aircraft was vacated safely.
Findings
- The aircraft sustained damage to the left wing tip, aileron, and landing gear.
- The collapse of the landing gear occurred after the aircraft had initiated a rightward yaw.
- The incident was triggered by a wind gust that lifted the left wing during the landing roll.