Boeing A75N1 Stearman, G-BTFG, 14 October 2011

• From: Air Accidents Investigation Branch
• Published: 10 December 2014

• Category: General aviation - fixed wing
• Report type: Bulletin - Correspondence investigation
• Date of occurrence: 14 October 2011
• Aircraft type: Boeing A75N1 Stearman
• Location: Manston Airport, Kent
• Registration: G-BTFG

Boeing A75N1 Stearman, G-BTFG

Summary:

The pilot was flying circuits to Runway 10 at Manston Airport. The weather conditions were good, with a surface wind from 120° at 10 kt. The aircraft was reported to have landed after the fourth circuit, at the correct speed, on the runway centreline in the target area the pilot had selected. The aircraft touched down on its main wheels and the pilot held the tailwheel off the runway surface. As the aircraft’s speed decayed to a fast walking speed, the tailwheel started to settle and the aircraft suddenly veered to the right. The aircraft ground looped through 360º, during which the left wingtip and aileron made contact with the runway. The pilot was uninjured.

The pilot was not aware of any weather conditions which could have induced the sudden turn to the right, concluding that he had relaxed as the aircraft’s speed decayed and did not apply the appropriate amount of rudder to counter the initial yaw.

Download report:

Boeing A75N1 Stearman G-BTFG 02-12.pdf (223.97 kb)

Published 10 December 2014