Friday, March 06, 2020

Hard Landing: Cessna 152, N6450B; accident occurred September 25, 2019 at Purdue University Airport (KLAF), Lafayette, Tippecanoe County, Indiana

View of damaged engine mount and truss.
Federal Aviation Administration


Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Indianapolis, Indiana

Aviation Accident Factual Report - National Transportation Safety Board: https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf


Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board: https://dms.ntsb.gov/pubdms


https://registry.faa.gov/N6450B

Location: Lafayette, IN
Accident Number: GAA19CA571
Date & Time: 09/25/2019, 1710 EDT
Registration: N6450B
Aircraft: Cessna 152
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Hard landing
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Instructional

The student solo pilot reported that, shortly after touchdown, the airplane landed ballooned and bounced twice. Subsequently, the airplane pitched down, the nose landing gear struck the runway and collapsed on the runway.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the engine frame.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

The automated weather observation station located on the airport reported that, about 20 minutes before the accident, the wind was from 230° at 8 knots and about 40 minutes after the accident the wind was from 210° at 8 knots. The pilot reported that during landing, the winds were 230° at 9 knots, gusting 16 knots. The student pilot was landing the airplane on runway 23.

Pilot Information

Certificate: Student
Age: 20, Female
Airplane Rating(s): None
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used:
Instrument Rating(s): None
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 3 Without Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 06/01/2019
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 09/25/2019
Flight Time:   (Estimated) 33 hours (Total, all aircraft), 33 hours (Total, this make and model), 1 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 25 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 4 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Cessna
Registration: N6450B
Model/Series: 152 No Series
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture:
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 15283935
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle
Seats: 2
Date/Type of Last Inspection:  Unknown
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 1669 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time:
Engine Manufacturer: Lycoming
ELT: Installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: O-235
Registered Owner: Purdue Aviation Llc
Rated Power: 108 hp
Operator: Purdue Aviation Llc
Operating Certificate(s) Held: Pilot School (141)

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KLAF, 637 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 0 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 2054 UTC
Direction from Accident Site: 191°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 8 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None / None
Wind Direction: 210°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 29.78 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 24°C / 17°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Lafayette, IN (LAF)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: VFR
Destination: Lafayette, IN (LAF)
Type of Clearance: VFR
Departure Time: 1600 EDT
Type of Airspace: Class D

Airport Information

Airport: Purdue University (LAF)
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 605 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 28
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 6600 ft / 150 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: None

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 None
Latitude, Longitude: 40.412222, -86.936944 (est)

Loss of Control in Flight: Beech B36TC Bonanza, N5836B; accident occurred September 25, 2019 at Lubbock Preston Smith International Airport (KLBB), Texas

View of damaged left wing.


Additional Participating Entity: 
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; San Antonio, Texas  

Aviation Accident Factual Report - National Transportation Safety Board: https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board: https://dms.ntsb.gov/pubdms

https://registry.faa.gov/N5836B

Location: Lubbock, TX
Accident Number: GAA19CA587
Date & Time: 09/25/2019, 0715 CDT
Registration: N5836B
Aircraft: Beech 36
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Loss of control in flight
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal 

The pilot reported that, during the takeoff roll, about 60 knots, the airplane lifted off in nose high attitude and the stall warning horn actuated. About 20 feet above the ground, the airplane rotated to the right, but he overcorrected, and the left-wing tip struck the runway. Shortly after, he landed the airplane without further incident.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

The automated weather observation station located on the airport reported that, about 15 minutes before the accident, the wind was 230° at 9 knots. The pilot reported the wind was calm. The airplane departed from runway 35L.

The pilot added that post-accident the elevator trim was found set to nose high, and that he should have used a pre-takeoff checklist to verify the elevator trim was set to the takeoff position. 

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private
Age: 44, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used:
Instrument Rating(s): None
Second Pilot Present: Yes
Instructor Rating(s):None 
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 3 With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 01/25/2018
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 05/25/2019
Flight Time:  (Estimated) 178 hours (Total, all aircraft), 178 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 33 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 5 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft) 

Check Pilot Information

Certificate: Flight Instructor; Private
Age: 21, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied:Right 
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used:
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present: Yes
Instructor Rating(s): Airplane Single-engine
Toxicology Performed:
Medical Certification: Class 3 Without Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 08/20/2019
Occupational Pilot: Yes
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 07/20/2019
Flight Time:  (Estimated) 340 hours (Total, all aircraft), 340 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 85 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 43 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 10 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Beech
Registration: N5836B
Model/Series: 36 B36TC
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1994
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal; Utility
Serial Number: EA558
Landing Gear Type: Retractable - Tricycle
Seats: 6
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 02/11/2019, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 3850 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 2083 Hours as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer: Continental
ELT: Installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: IO-520
Registered Owner: We Gone Llc
Rated Power: 300 hp
Operator: We Gone Llc
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Unknown
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KLBB, 3241 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 0 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 1153 UTC
Direction from Accident Site: 320°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Scattered / 25000 ft agl
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling:
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 9 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual:
Wind Direction: 230°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual:
Altimeter Setting: 29.92 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 22°C / 17°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Lubbock, TX (LBB)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Lubbock, TX (LBB)
Type of Clearance: VFR
Departure Time: 0715 CDT
Type of Airspace: Class C

Airport Information

Airport: Lubbock Preston Smith Intl (LBB)
Runway Surface Type: Concrete
Airport Elevation: 3282 ft
Runway Surface Condition:Dry 
Runway Used: 35L
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 11500 ft / 150 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: None

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 None
Latitude, Longitude: 33.663611, -101.820556 (est)

Abnormal Runway Contact: Cessna 152, N472TC; accident occurred September 17, 2019 at Naples Municipal Airport (KAPF), Collier County, Florida

View of damaged engine mount.



Additional Participating Entity: 
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office;  Miramar, Florida 

Aviation Accident Factual Report - National Transportation Safety Board:  https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board: https://dms.ntsb.gov/pubdms

https://registry.faa.gov/N472TC


Location: Naples, FL
Accident Number: GAA19CA556
Date & Time: 09/17/2019, 1030 EDT
Registration: N472TC
Aircraft: Cessna 152
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Abnormal runway contact
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Instructional 

The student pilot reported that, during approach to land, the airplane suddenly sank. She added power, but the airplane bounced. She added more power, but the airplane bounced again and the nose landing gear collapsed.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing.

The chief executive officer for the flight school reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

The airport's automated weather observation station reported that, about 37 minutes before the accident, the wind was from 030° at 4 knots. The same automated station reported that, about 23 minutes after the accident, the wind was from 020° at 6 knots. The student pilot landed the airplane on runway 05.

Student Pilot Information

Certificate: Student
Age: 22, Female
Airplane Rating(s): None
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used:
Instrument Rating(s): None
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 1 With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 05/15/2019
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time:   (Estimated) 49.9 hours (Total, all aircraft), 49.9 hours (Total, this make and model), 3 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 49.9 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 28.3 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft) 

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Cessna
Registration: N472TC
Model/Series: 152 No Series
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1977
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Utility
Serial Number: 15279792
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle
Seats: 2
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 08/08/2019, 100 Hour
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 1670 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 5437.4 Hours at time of accident
Engine Manufacturer: Lycoming
ELT: Installed
Engine Model/Series: O-235-L2C
Registered Owner: Florida Flight Training Center
Rated Power: 110 hp
Operator: Florida Flight Training Center
Operating Certificate(s) Held: Pilot School (141) 

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KAPF, 9 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 0 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 1353 UTC
Direction from Accident Site: 33°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 4 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None / None
Wind Direction: 30°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 29.98 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 31°C / 22°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Venice, FL (VNC)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: VFR
Destination: Naples, FL (APF)
Type of Clearance: VFR; VFR Flight Following
Departure Time: 0930 EDT
Type of Airspace: Class D

Airport Information

Airport: NAPLES MUNI (APF)
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 8 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 05
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 6600 ft / 150 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: Full Stop; Traffic Pattern

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 None
Latitude, Longitude: 26.150000, -81.778611 (est)













Loss of Control in Flight: Piper J3C-65, N33463; accident occurred September 26, 2019 at Hunt Field Airport (KLND), Lander, Fremont County, Wyoming

View of right wing damage.
Federal Aviation Administration

View of fuselage damage.
Federal Aviation Administration


Additional Participating Entity:

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Denver, Colorado 

Aviation Accident Factual Report - National Transportation Safety Board: https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf


Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board: https://dms.ntsb.gov/pubdms


https://registry.faa.gov/N33463

Location: Lander, WY
Accident Number: GAA19CA575
Date & Time: 09/26/2019, 1450 MDT
Registration: N33463
Aircraft: Piper J3C
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Loss of control in flight
Injuries: 2 Minor
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal 

The pilot of the tailwheel equipped airplane reported that, during takeoff in ground effect, the airplane encountered a gust of wind from the left and the right wing struck the ground. The airplane drifted right, the main landing gear impacted a fence parallel to the runway, and the airplane nosed over.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, empennage and both wings.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

The airport's automated weather observation station reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was from 280° at 18 knots, gusting to 28 knots. The airplane was departing from runway 04.

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private
Age: 65, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Multi-engine Land; Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Rear
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used:
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 3 With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 02/20/2019
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 12/23/2018
Flight Time:  (Estimated) 3475 hours (Total, all aircraft), 60 hours (Total, this make and model), 3406 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 44 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 18 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Piper
Registration: N33463
Model/Series: J3C 65
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1940
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 5973
Landing Gear Type: Tailwheel
Seats: 2
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 07/19/2019, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 1100 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 4640.26 Hours as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer: Continental
ELT: Not installed
Engine Model/Series: C-85-8FJ
Registered Owner: Lander Skymaster Llc
Rated Power: 85 hp
Operator: Lander Skymaster Llc
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KLND, 5558 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 0 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 2053 UTC
Direction from Accident Site: 98°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling:None 
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 18 knots / 28 knots
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None / None
Wind Direction: 280°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 29.76 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 27°C / -3°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Lander, WY (LND)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Lander, WY (LND)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 1448 MDT
Type of Airspace: Class G

Airport Information

Airport: Hunt Field (LND)
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 5588 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 04
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 5000 ft / 75 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: None 

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Minor
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 1 Minor
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 2 Minor
Latitude, Longitude: 42.815278, -108.728611 (est)

Abnormal Runway Contact: Piper PA-22, N3365B; accident occurred September 27, 2019 at Pollock Municipal Airport (L66), Grant Parish, Louisiana

View of damaged right wing from behind.
Federal Aviation Administration


Additional Participating Entity:

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Aviation Accident Factual Report - National Transportation Safety Board: https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf


Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board: https://dms.ntsb.gov/pubdms


https://registry.faa.gov/N3365B


Location: Pollock, LA
Accident Number: GAA19CA576
Date & Time: 09/27/2019, 0930 CDT
Registration: N3365B
Aircraft: Piper PA 22
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Abnormal runway contact
Injuries: 2 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal

The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that the airplane bounced during landing. He added that, during the second touchdown, the airplane was not aligned with the runway and the airplane ground looped. The airplane exited the runway to the left and impacted a drainage ditch.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. 

Pilot Information

Certificate: Airline Transport; Flight Instructor; Remote
Age: 74, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Multi-engine Land; Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): Airship; Helicopter
Restraint Used:
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane; Helicopter
Second Pilot Present: Yes
Instructor Rating(s): Airplane Multi-engine; Airplane Single-engine; Helicopter; Instrument Airplane
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 1 With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 04/29/2019
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 03/22/2019
Flight Time:   (Estimated) 8492 hours (Total, all aircraft), 6 hours (Total, this make and model), 4902 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 50 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 15 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 6 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)

Pilot-Rated Passenger Information

Certificate: Flight Instructor; Commercial; Remote
Age: 58, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Right
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used:
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present: Yes
Instructor Rating(s): Airplane Single-engine
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 2 With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 06/10/2019
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 09/18/2017
Flight Time:  (Estimated) 1454 hours (Total, all aircraft), 270 hours (Total, this make and model), 29 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 8 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Piper
Registration: N3365B
Model/Series: PA 22 150
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1954
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 22-2170
Landing Gear Type: Tailwheel
Seats: 4
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 04/20/2019, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 2000 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 2567.7 Hours as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer: Lycoming
ELT: Installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: O-320-A1A
Registered Owner: On file
Rated Power: 150 hp
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KESF, 118 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 10 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 1353 UTC
Direction from Accident Site: 121°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Scattered / 4700 ft agl
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling:
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: Calm /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None / None
Wind Direction:
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 29.95 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 24°C / 21°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Pollock, LA (L66)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Pollock, LA (L66)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 0640 CDT
Type of Airspace: Class G

Airport Information

Airport: POLLOCK MUNI (L66)
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 203 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 18
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 4499 ft / 75 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: Full Stop; Traffic Pattern

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 2 None
Latitude, Longitude:  31.479444, -92.461111 (est)

Nose Down: Aerotek Pitts S-2B, N5310S; accident occurred September 28, 2019 at Morrisville-Stowe State Airport (KMVL), Lamoille County, Vermont

View of nosed down Aerotek Pitts S-2B, N5310S


Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Portland, Maine

Aviation Accident Factual Report - National Transportation Safety Board: https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf


Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board: https://dms.ntsb.gov/pubdms


https://registry.faa.gov/N5310S 


Location: Morrisville, VT
Accident Number: GAA19CA577
Date & Time: 09/28/2019, 1130 EDT
Registration: N5310S
Aircraft: Pitts S2
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Nose over/nose down
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal

The biplane pilot reported that, during the landing roll, the biplane veered right. He applied left rudder and brakes, the left-wing tip scrapped the runway and the biplane exited the runway to the left. He then applied more brakes to avoid a drainage ditch and the biplane nosed down.

The pilot reported that the biplane sustained substantial damage to the lower, left-wing spar.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Pilot Information

Certificate: Airline Transport; Commercial; Private
Age: 79, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Multi-engine Land; Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Rear
Other Aircraft Rating(s): Glider
Restraint Used:
Instrument Rating(s): None
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 2 Waiver Time Limited Special
Last FAA Medical Exam: 04/02/2019
Occupational Pilot: Yes
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 10/17/2017
Flight Time:  (Estimated) 11000 hours (Total, all aircraft), 2500 hours (Total, this make and model), 11000 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 50 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 30 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 1 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Pitts
Registration: N5310S
Model/Series: S2 B
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1984
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Aerobatic
Serial Number: 5004
Landing Gear Type: Tailwheel
Seats:2 
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 08/22/2019, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 1696 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 2305 Hours
Engine Manufacturer: Lycoming
ELT: C91 installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: AEIO 540 D4A5
Registered Owner: On file
Rated Power: 260 hp
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None
Operator Does Business As:
Operator Designator Code:

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KMVL, 732 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 0 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 1454 UTC
Direction from Accident Site: 190°
Lowest Cloud Condition:
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: Broken / 11000 ft agl
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 3 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None / None
Wind Direction: 340°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 30 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 17°C / 12°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Morrisville, VT (MVL)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Morrisville, VT (MVL)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 1100 EDT
Type of Airspace: Class G

Airport Information

Airport: Morrisville-Stowe State (MVL)
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 732 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 01
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 3700 ft / 75 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: Full Stop

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 None
Latitude, Longitude: 44.534444, -72.613889 (est)