NTSB Factual Report

On June 12, 2003, at 1543 mountain standard time, a Boeing Stearman E75, N6030V, ground looped after encountering a crosswind gust while landing at Casa Grande Municipal Airport (CGZ), Casa Grande, Arizona. The owner was operating the airplane under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91 as a personal flight. The commercial pilot and one passenger were not injured; the airplane sustained substantial damage. The cross-country flight departed Blythe Airport (BLH), Blythe, California, about 1500, en route to CGZ. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a flight plan had not been filed. The primary wreckage was at 32 degrees 57 minutes north latitude and 111 degrees 46 minutes west longitude.

During a telephone interview with the National Transportation Safety Board investigator-in-charge (IIC), the pilot stated that as the aircraft touched down on runway 23, a gust of wind blew from the left. As a result, the right wing rose, and the aircraft veered 20 degrees to the right of the runway. The pilot attempted to recover by quickly adding power, but while still in ground effect, the left wingtip impacted the ground. The aircraft ground looped and came to rest inverted about 40 yards north of the runway.

The pilot checked the Automated Weather Observation Station (AWOS) prior to landing, which reported winds from 200 degrees at 10 knots, gusting to 15 knots. He also observed the windsock, which appeared to show calmer winds.

The Aviation Routine Weather Report (METAR) for the time of the accident reported winds from 280 degrees at 8 knots, gusting to 17 knots.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's inadequate compensation for the wind conditions, and his failure to maintain aircraft control resulting in an inadvertent ground loop.