Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's improper landing flare with a left crosswind, which resulted in a hard landing, collapsed landing gear, runway excursion, and nose-over.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
The biplane pilot reported that, while on short final, immediately after crossing the end of the runway, about 10 feet above the ground, he increased the throttle setting to maintain 60 mph. About 5 to 8 ft above the ground, the airplane "sank rapidly", landed hard, and the right landing gear collapsed. Subsequently, the airplane veered right, exited the runway, and nosed over.
The biplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing and empennage.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
An automated weather observation station located on an airport about 13 nm away from the accident site reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was 170° at 4 knots. The pilot reported that, at the accident airport, about the time of the accident, the wind was 230º at 9 knots. The airplane landed on runway 30.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# GAA19CA243