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August 31, 2018 · Stearman A75N1(PT17) 3 · N64604

Kenosha, WI

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 31, 2018
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Kenosha, WI
Aircraft
Stearman A75N1(PT17) 3 (1942)
Tail Number
N64604
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN18LA360

The airline transport pilot had performed three touch-and-go maneuvers without braking. On the fourth and last planned landing roll about 30 mph, the airplane experienced an excessive tailwheel shimmy. About 25 mph, the airplane nosed over and came to rest inverted. Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed that the left main wheel/brake assembly was locked; thus, the wheel/tire could not be rotated. Partial disassembly of the wheel/brake assembly revealed a failed retaining bolt for the brake backing plate and a crack in the backing plate. The bolt likely broke off and became lodged in the assembly; thus, it is likely the failed retaining bolt and cracked backing plate resulted in a shift of the brake lining to contact the brake drum and led to a subsequent wheel lock when the brakes were applied.

NTSB Probable Cause

The failed retaining bolt and cracked backing plate, which resulted in a shift of the brake lining to contact the brake drum and a subsequent wheel lock when the brakes were applied.

Full Narrative

On August 30, 2018, about 1900 central daylight time, a Stearman A75N1 (PT17) airplane, sustained substantial damage when nosed over during the landing roll at the Kenosha Regional Airport (ENW), Kenosha, Wisconsin. The airline transport pilot, who was the sole occupant, was not injured, and the airplane sustained substantial damage to the rudder. The airplane was registered to and operated by a private individual as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident, and a flight plan was not filed. The local flight departed ENW about 1830. According to the pilot, he had performed three touch and go maneuvers without the use of any braking. On the fourth and last planned landing roll out about 30 mph, the airplane experienced an excessive tail wheel shimmy due to a left brake assembly issue. About 25 mph, the airplane nosed over and came to rest inverted. Postaccident examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed the left main wheel/brake assembly was locked, and the wheel/tire could not be rotated. Partial disassembly of the wheel/brake assembly revealed a failed retaining bolt for the brake backing plate, and a crack in the backing plate. The pilot reported the specified brake lining to drum clearance was .008/.010 inches. The most recent annual inspection was completed on September 1, 2017, about 20 hours prior to the accident.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time19:00 CDT
Nearest AirportKenosha Regional Airport (0nm S)
Runway07R
Runway Length3302 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftStearman A75N1(PT17) 3
Tail NumberN64604
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · W670-6A · Reciprocating · 220
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 58 · First Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind70° @ 7 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point50
Altimeter29.97 inHg
Observation Time23:00
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data