On November 6, 1985, an Aerotek PITTS S-2A (registration N42XX) operated by Chandler Air Service, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Chandler, AZ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The flight instructor failed to observe an aircraft ahead in the traffic pattern. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
During a dual instructional flight, a CFI failed to observe an aircraft ahead in the traffic pattern, leading to a collision when the CFI's aircraft flared on top of the aircraft that had just touched down.
Incident Overview
During a dual instructional flight, a certified flight instructor (CFI) was simultaneously looking for traffic and monitoring the student's performance. The CFI failed to observe another aircraft that was ahead in the traffic pattern. That aircraft was at a lower altitude and on short final approach for the same runway on which the CFI intended to land.
Collision Sequence
The CFI's aircraft flared for landing on top of the aircraft that had just touched down, resulting in a collision between the two aircraft.
Probable Cause
The probable cause of the accident is the CFI's failure to observe an aircraft ahead in the traffic pattern.
What happened in the 6 Nov 1985 Aerotek PITTS S-2A accident near Chandler, AZ?
During a dual instructional flight, a CFI failed to observe an aircraft ahead in the traffic pattern, leading to a collision when the CFI's aircraft flared on top of the aircraft that had just touched down.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 6 Nov 1985 involved an Aerotek PITTS S-2A, registration N42XX, operated by Chandler Air Service, Inc., at Chandler, AZ.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The flight instructor failed to observe an aircraft ahead in the traffic pattern.
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