Loss of Control in Flight · NTSB DEN08LA124
Aerotek Pitts S-2A — Cleveland, TX
| Date | July 19, 2008 |
| Location | Cleveland, TX |
| Aircraft | Aerotek Pitts S-2A |
| Purpose of flight | Personal |
| Conditions | Day · Visual Meteorological Cond |
| Phase / occurrence | Uncontrolled descent Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT) |
| Pilot age | 87 |
| Pilot total time | 1,010 hrs · Experienced |
| Time in type | Unknown |
| Fatalities | 1 |
Probable cause
the pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during his attempted performance of aerobatic maneuvers shortly after takeoff.
NTSB findings
- Personnel issues-Experience/knowledge-Experience/qualifications-Qualification/certification-Pilot
- Personnel issues-Task performance-Use of equip/info-Aircraft control-Pilot - C
- Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-(general)-Incorrect use/operation - C
What happened
Witness stated that shortly after rotation, the airplane entered a "barrel roll" maneuver. The airplane "veered off to the right, nose and right wing low, [until] it hit the west edge tree line." The airplane came to rest in a wooded area approximately 300 yards west of the runway centerline. Acquaintances stated the pilot had been known in the past to attempt an aerobatic maneuver shortly after takeoff. No anomalies were noted with the airframe or engine. The private pilot had not held a current medical certificate for the past 6 years.