8 Mar 2017: AEROTEK PITTS S-2A

8 Mar 2017: AEROTEK PITTS S-2A — Unknown operator

No fatalities • West Palm Beach, FL, United States

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll in crosswind conditions.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

The pilot of a tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that after 12 to 13 touch-and-go landings on a grass runway in crosswind conditions, he planned to complete a full stop landing. He added that during the landing roll, the airplane "departed the runway to the right" into marshy terrain and nosed over.

The vertical stabilizer and rudder sustained substantial damage.

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

According to a Federal Aviation Administration Aviation Safety Inspector, a few hours after the accident he inspected the grass runway and found no abnormalities with the surface.

The nearest automated weather observation station 12 nautical miles from the accident airport, about the time of the accident, recorded wind 190° at 7 knots. The pilot reported that he landed on runway 26 left.

Contributing factors

  • cause Pilot
  • cause Directional control — Not attained/maintained
  • Contributed to outcome
  • Response/compensation

Conditions

Weather
VMC, wind 190/07kt, vis 10sm

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