# NTSB SEA90LA059: Stearman 4E, N663K, Burns, OR, March 31, 1990

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: March 31, 1990, 11:40 local (19:40 UTC)
- Place: Burns, OR
- Coordinates: 43.589416, -118.890922 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=43.5894&lon=-118.8909&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report February 12, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 41181
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA90LA059
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/41181/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA90LA059

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - on ground/water, landing - roll
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - ground loop/swerve - uncontrolled, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- Main gear collapsed, landing - roll

## Analysis

DURING THE LANDING, THE PILOT REPORTED THAT THE LEFT MAIN LANDING GEAR WHEEL LOCKED AND WOULD NOT TURN. THE PILOT WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE AIRPLANE UNTIL OPPOSITE RUDDER AND BRAKE CONTROL WERE NO LONGER EFFICTIVE. THE AIRPLANE THEN VEERED OFF THE RUNWAY AND GROUND LOOPED IN THE SOFT DIRT. THE RIGHT MAIN LANDING GEAR COLLAPSED AND THE RIGHT WING CONTACTED THE GROUND. THERE WERE NO REPORTED MECHANICAL FAILURES OF MALFUNCTIONS WITH THE WHEEL OR BRAKE DURING THE POST CRASH EXAMINATION.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N663K](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N663K), registered now, S/N 4005, built 1930 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Stearman 4E
- Registry model: [Stearman 4E](https://openairdocs.org/model/stearman-4e) (registry code 8560306) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Pratt & Whitney W-SC series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/pratt-whitney-w-sc-series) (registry code 52010, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 4005
- Engines: P&W SL1 450 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Scott, William B.
- Registered owner: Scott Motor Company
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, February 24, 1990, 9 hours before
- Departed: O04, CARSON CITY, NV
- Flight plan: VFR
- Airport: BNO, Burns Muni.

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 52; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: rear; flight hours: 256 total, 62 in this make and model, 189 as pilot in command, 13 in the last 90 days, 11 in the last 30 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 40 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 55 °F

## 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 19900331007359A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19900331007359A), Mar 31, 1990: Strman 4D, Burns, OR, Substantial damage. Ground looped landing tail wheel aircraft. Blamed locked brake.

## Other investigations on N663K (1)

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.

- [NTSB WPR21LA197](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR21LA197), May 17, 2021: Stearman 4E (N663K), Porterville, CA, substantial damage. Probable cause: The pilot’s loss of directional control while landing, which resulted in a landing gear collapse.

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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