N14GC

Substantial
Minor

Stearman B75N1S/N: 75-6503

Accident Details

Date
Wednesday, January 22, 2020
NTSB Number
WPR20CA073
Location
Vacaville, CA
Event ID
20200122X92714
Coordinates
38.373611, -121.956665
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
1
Uninjured
0
Total Aboard
1

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing, which resulted in a runway excursion and nose-over when the right wheel encountered mud.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
STEARMAN
Serial Number
75-6503
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1941
Model / ICAO
B75N1ST6
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
2
FAA Model
B75N1

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
JR STEARMAN LLC
Address
2400 N WATNEY WAY
City
FAIRFIELD
State / Zip Code
CA 94533
Country
United States

Analysis

The private pilot reported that the purpose of the flight was to practice stop-and-go landings. The airplane took off and made a standard traffic pattern to land. The airplane touched down on the numbers with both main wheels. When the tailwheel touched down, the pilot felt a gust of wind from the east which tipped the left wing down. He attempted to correct with right aileron, but when the wings became level the right wheel exited the runway surface and sunk into the mud. The airplane nosed over substantially damaging the rudder.

The pilot reported that there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# WPR20CA073