What happened
On 14 October 2011, a Boeing A75N1 Stearman, registration G-BTFG, was conducting private flight circuits at Manston Airport in Kent. The aircraft was performing approach and landing maneuvers for Runway 10 under favorable weather conditions, with a surface wind of 120 degrees at 10 knots.
After completing the fourth circuit, the pilot executed a landing on the runway centerline within the intended touchdown zone. The aircraft made contact with the runway surface on its main wheels, and the pilot successfully held the tailwheel off the ground. However, as the aircraft's speed decreased to approximately a fast walking pace, the tailwheel made contact with the runway. At this point, the aircraft experienced a sudden veer to the right, resulting in a 360-degree ground loop. During this maneuver, the left wingtip and aileron struck the runway surface, causing damage to those components. The pilot sustained no injuries.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot. Investigators examined the sequence of the landing and the aircraft's behavior as it decelerated. The investigation established that the aircraft was flying at the correct speed and on the intended path prior to the loss of directional control. The pilot reported no environmental factors or weather conditions that would have contributed to the sudden rightward turn.