GRAINFIELD, KS, USA
N59260
Boeing Stearman PT-27
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.
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.
The pilot's improper in-flight decision and failure to maintain adequate clearance with the ground.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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