Loss of control involving a Boeing A75N1 (Stearman), near Dochra, New South Wales, on 8 November 2025

What happened

On 8 November 2025, at approximately 1315 local time,[1] a Boeing A75N1 (Stearman), with one pilot on board, departed a privately-owned runway near Dochra, New South Wales. 

The pilot conducted a 30-minute private flight, before returning to the 500 m-long grass runway, orientated almost north-south. The pilot reported that the shorter runway required them to use a ‘short field’ landing technique and that the wind was westerly at less than 10 kt and variable near the ground. 

The pilot conducted 3 consecutive landings and take-offs on the southern facing runway. During their third approach, the pilot recognised that the aircraft was about 200 feet higher than normal on final approach, however continued the approach.

They reported touching down in a 3-point attitude, too far down the runway and applied hard braking which caused the tail to lift once elevator effectiveness reduced. This resulted in the aircraft slowly tipping forward, striking the propeller and then flipping over onto its back and rudder (Figure 1).

Figure 1: Aircraft post-occurrence

Source: Operator

The aircraft sustained damage to its rudder, propeller, wing and strut. The pilot was uninjured. 

Safety message

Good landings are made from stable approaches and conducting a go-around is normally the safest course of action if a pilot is not entirely comfortable with the approach. 

Pilots should also consider the required approach performance for short field landings of their aircraft when assessing their approach to land with limited runway length. Heavy braking in high centre-of-gravity, tailwheel aircraft increases the risk of loss of control on landing, which places greater importance on ensuring the approach is conducted appropriately.

About this report

Decisions regarding whether to conduct an investigation, and the scope of an investigation, are based on many factors, including the level of safety benefit likely to be obtained from an investigation. For this occurrence, no investigation has been conducted and the ATSB did not verify the accuracy of the information. A brief description has been written using information supplied in the notification and any follow-up information in order to produce a short summary report, and allow for greater industry awareness of potential safety issues and possible safety actions.