# NTSB DEN84FA274: Boeing Stearman E75, N5183N, Kalispell, MT, August 30, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: August 30, 1984, 09:20 local (15:20 UTC)
- Place: Kalispell, MT
- Coordinates: 48.189647, -114.379516 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=48.1896&lon=-114.3795&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 16236
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=DEN84FA274
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/16236/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN84FA274

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- In flight collision with object, maneuvering - aerial application
  - object - bird(s) (cause)
  - visual lookout - not possible, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE PILOT WAS COMPLETING A TURN TO FINAL ON A NORMAL AERIAL APPLICATION MANEUVER. HE WAS APRX 15 FT AGL AT 65 MPH WHEN THE A/C STRUCK A BIRD (PRESUMED TO BE A RED TAILED HAWK). THE FORCE OF THE IMPACT BROKE THE PLEXIGLASS CANOPY AND TEMPORARILY DISTRACTED THE PILOT. A SPLIT SECOND LATER THE ACFT CONTACTED THE SOFT DIRT, THE NOSE DUG IN AND THE ACFT FLIPPED OVER.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N5183N (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: BOEING STEARMAN E75 (STEARMAN E)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 75-5603
- Airframe hours: 2025
- Engines: P&W R-985-AN 450 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Registered owner: Curtis Kenneth Sande
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Departed: FCA, KALISPELL, MT

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 46; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: center; toxicology performed; flight hours: 3,400 total, 3,300 in this make and model, 182 in the last 90 days, 6 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 29° at 3 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 6,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 59 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: FCA

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19840830044499A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19840830044499A), Aug 30, 1984: Boeing E75, Kalispell, MT, Destroyed. Aircraft had made turn for next swath and was descending when it struck a large bird. Penetrated windshield.

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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