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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

May 23, 1999 · Boeing Stearman PT-27 · N59260

Grainfield, KS

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 23, 1999
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury), 1 uninjured
Location
Grainfield, KS
Aircraft
Boeing Stearman PT-27
Tail Number
N59260
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI99LA158

The pilot reported that he had a passenger on board the airplane who was videotaping a group of motorcyclists who were traveling on highway I-70. The pilot reported that he was flying at an altitude of 10 to 20 feet above ground altitude, with a 20 to 23 mph left quartering tailwind. He reported the airplane felt as though it were being pushed down into the wheat field. He reported the airplane's wheels started impacting the grain of the wheat field, and the airplane nosed over about 200 feet later.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's improper in-flight decision and failure to maintain adequate clearance with the ground.

Full Narrative

On May 23, 1999, at 1400 central daylight time, a Boeing Stearman PT-27, N59260, received substantial damage near Grainfield, Kansas. The airplane was flying low and maneuvering to video a group of motorcycles on the highway when it flew into a grain field and nosed over. The commercial pilot was not injured and the passenger received minor injuries. The 14 CFR Part 91 flight had departed Oakley, Kansas, on a local flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan had been filed. The pilot reported that he had a passenger on board the airplane who was videotaping a group of motorcyclists who were traveling on highway I-70 on their way to Washington, D.C. The pilot reported that he was flying at an altitude of 10 to 20 feet above ground altitude with a 20 to 23 mph left quartering tailwind. He reported the airplane felt as though it were being pushed down into the wheat field. He reported the airplane's wheels started impacting the grain of the wheat field and the airplane nosed over about 200 feet later.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:00 MDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBoeing Stearman PT-27
Tail NumberN59260
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · R-670 · Reciprocating · 220
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury), 1 uninjured
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured1
Total2
Crew 1Age 70 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind350° @ 11 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point66 F / 46
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time18:56
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data