Boeing PT-13B Stearman Kaydet A75, N19BB: Fatal accident occurred September 17, 2021 in Delta, Colorado

This is preliminary information, subject to change, and may contain errors. Any errors in this report will be corrected when the final report has been completed. 

The National Transportation Safety Board traveled to the scene of this accident.

Additional Participating Entity:

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Salt Lake City, Utah

https://registry.faa.gov/N19BB

Location: Delta, CO 

Accident Number: CEN21FA424

Date & Time: September 17, 2021, 08:00 Local

Registration: N19BB

Aircraft: Boeing A75 

Injuries: 1 Fatal

Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

On September 17, 2021, about 0800 central daylight time (CDT), a Boeing A75 airplane, N19BB, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Delta, Colorado. The commercial pilot sustained fatal injuries. The personal local flight was conducted under the provisions of Title 14 Federal Code of Regulations Part 91.

The airplane took off from runway 3 at Blake Field Airport (AJZ), Delta, Colorado. Two witnesses observed the airplane climb out and begin aerobatic maneuvers about 5 miles to the northeast of AJZ. Both witnesses stated that the airplane began a loop maneuver, and at the top of the loop while inverted, the airplane entered a flat spin. They observed the airplane recover from that spin. The airplane then gained altitude and they observed the airplane begin another loop maneuver. At the top of the loop, while inverted, the airplane entered another flat spin and did not recover. The airplane impacted rugged sloped terrain about 5 miles to the northeast of AJZ. First responders located the airplane wreckage and notified authorities. There were no radio or distress calls heard from the pilot.

The wreckage was found resting inverted on a 45-degree slope. The fuselage was oriented downslope and crushed from impact forces. The engine was partially separated from its fuselage mounts. The empennage section was bent rearward, the upper wings were bent upward, and lower wings were separated from their respective mounting braces, consistent with a flat impact. Flight control continuity was confirmed from the cockpit to all flight control surfaces. The engine throttle control was found in the idle position. Engine rotation continuity (compression resistance) was confirmed. The smell of fuel was present. The airplane was not equipped with inverted fuel or oil supply systems.

According to an acquaintance of the pilot, he and the pilot flew the airplane to AJZ a few days prior to the accident flight. The acquaintance stated that the airplane operated normally.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Boeing 

Registration: N19BB

Model/Series: A75 NO SERIES 

Aircraft Category: Airplane

Amateur Built:

Operator: On file

Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

Operator Designator Code:

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: VMC

Condition of Light: Day

Observation Facility, Elevation: KAJZ,5194 ft msl

Observation Time: 07:55 Local

Distance from Accident Site: 4 Nautical Miles 

Temperature/Dew Point: 15°C /-2°C

Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear

Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 3 knots / , 80°

Lowest Ceiling: None 

Visibility: 10 miles

Altimeter Setting: 30.22 inches Hg 

Type of Flight Plan Filed: None

Departure Point: Delta, CO 

Destination: Delta, CO

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Fatal 

Aircraft Damage: Substantial

Passenger Injuries: N/A

Aircraft Fire: None

Ground Injuries: 

Aircraft Explosion: None

Total Injuries: 1 Fatal

Latitude, Longitude: 38.83478,-108.02654 

Those who may have information that might be relevant to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigation may contact them by email witness@ntsb.gov, and any friends and family who want to contact investigators about the accident should email assistance@ntsb.gov. You can also call the NTSB Response Operations Center at 844-373-9922 or 202-314-6290.