On August 5, 1990, a Pitts S2B (registration N260RM) operated by Regal Quality Air, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Springfield, IL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's loss of control during the downwind turn, which resulted in a spin and collision with the terrain. 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.
A pilot conducting a touch-and-go landing entered a left spin during the downwind turn and crashed into the ground. No mechanical issues were found.
What happened
The pilot initiated takeoff and climbed into the traffic pattern to execute a touch-and-go maneuver. After requesting permission, the pilot was cleared to make a break turn toward the downwind leg of the pattern. Witnesses observed an abrupt left turn as the aircraft transitioned toward the downwind position. During this maneuver, the airplane entered a left-spinning descent and collided with the ground.
The investigation
Post-accident examination of the wreckage revealed no evidence of mechanical failure or discrepancy with either the airframe or the engine. The structural damage was consistent with impact forces from the crash.
Probable cause
The pilot's loss of control during the downwind turn, which resulted in a spin and collision with the terrain.
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