Probable cause
The pilot’s loss of directional control while landing, which resulted in a landing gear collapse.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of the tailwheel equipped airplane reported that, after landing the airplane encountered a gust of wind and ballooned. During the subsequent touch down, the airplane landed “in a very minor crab,” the right main landing gear collapsed, and the lower right wing was substantially damaged when it impacted the runway surface. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR21LA197 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 17, 2021
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Porterville, California
- Nearest airport
- Porterville Muni (PTV)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Stearman Aircraft 4E
- N-number
- N663K
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1930
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.