Accident Details
On 14 October 2011 at 1410 UTC, a Boeing A75N1 Stearman, registration G-BTFG, sustained a ground loop during landing at Manston Airport, Kent. The aircraft was operated on a private flight with one pilot and no passengers. The pilot, aged 58, held a Commercial Pilot's Licence and had accumulated 928 flying hours, of which 8 were on type. In the 90 days prior, he had flown 84 hours, and 20 hours in the last 28 days.
Flight History
The pilot was conducting circuits to Runway 10. Weather conditions were reported as good, with surface wind from 120° at 10 kt. After the fourth circuit, the aircraft landed on the runway centreline in the pilot's selected target area at the correct speed. Touchdown occurred on the main wheels, and the pilot held the tailwheel off the runway surface. As the aircraft's speed decayed to a fast walking pace, the tailwheel began to settle and the aircraft suddenly veered to the right. It ground looped through 360°, during which the left wingtip and aileron made contact with the runway, resulting in damage. The pilot was uninjured.
Post-Accident Analysis
According to the pilot's report, he was not aware of any weather conditions that could have induced the sudden turn to the right. He concluded that he had relaxed as the aircraft's speed decayed and did not apply the appropriate amount of rudder to counter the initial yaw. The aircraft damage was limited to the left wingtip and aileron.