Stearman PT-17 N3993P accident, Hampton, NH, May 1, 1987 · NTSB NYC87LA137

Sequence of events

NTSB’s coding before 2008: each occurrence and phase of flight, and the causes and factors under it. The codes are defined in NTSB’s coding manual.

In flight collision with objectGo-around (vfr)

Weather condition - downdraftFactor

Weather condition - crosswindFactor

Compensation for wind conditions - inadequatePilot in commandCause

Go-around - delayedPilot in commandCause

Proper climb rate - not attained

Object - tree(s)Factor

In flight collision with terrain/waterDescent - uncontrolled

Analysis

While on final approach, the plt stated that the acft encountered a moderate crosswind. At abt mid-field, the plt elected to make a go-around, however, due to windshear and/or downdrafts, the acft was unable to climb. The stearman collided with several tall trees off the end of the rwy and came to rest at the base of one of them.

Aircraft

Registration: N3993P
Reported as: Stearman PT-17
Category: Airplane
Serial number: AR33
Engine: Continental W670-6A, reciprocating
Damage: Substantial damage
Flight: Personal · Part 91
Operator: George Enman
Registered owner: Jane Enman
Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Aerobatic
Last inspection: Annual · November 3, 1986
Departed: Shirley, MA
Destination: Hampton, NH
Airport: 7B3 · Hampton, runway 20, 2,100 × 180 ft, grass/turf

N3993PRegistered now · Jones Peter M BOEING/JONES 75S/N AR-33 · Built 1984 Airframe modelJones Peter M BOEING/JONES 75 Engine modelContinental W670 seriesReciprocating

Matched to the registry by N-number and the event date; the registry’s history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

Role: Pilot
Age: 41
Certificate: Private
Airplane ratings: Single-engine land, Multi-engine land
Medical: Class 2, Valid Medical--no waivers/lim.
Flight hours: 1,140 total · 269 in this make and model · 1,066 as pilot in command · 30 in the last 90 days · 3 in the last 24 hours

Weather

Conditions: Visual (VMC) · Day
Wind: 310° at 15 knots, gusting 20
Visibility: 15 statute miles
Lowest ceiling: None
Temperature: 59 °F, dew point 21 °F
Altimeter: 29.00 inHg

FAA reports on this event · 1

The FAA’s own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date.

Accident 19870501012139ABoeing PT17 · Hampton, NHStruck trees off end of runway on a go around. Trees too high for safe use of runway environmentMay 1, 1987 · N3993P · Substantial damage

Other investigations on N3993P · 2

Matched to the same aircraft by N-number and date.

NTSB ERA12CA434Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportBayport, NYThe airplane’s encounter with a wind shift to a tailwind during takeoff, which resulted in the pilot’s decision to abort the takeoff and the airplane’s subsequent runway overrun.Jul 7, 2012 · Substantial damage NTSB NYC85LA085Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportMarston Mills, MAThe acft nosed over after contacting an utility pole during an overrun landing. The acft touched down aprx 1/2 way down the rwy and the plt applied brakes, however, braking action was poor because of the wet grass rwy. The acft skidded off the end of the rwy…Mar 22, 1985 · Substantial damage