Accident Overview
On January 30, 2025, at 1034 eastern standard time, an Aviat Inc Pitts S-2B, registration N8ZT, was substantially damaged when it impacted terrain near Fellsmere, Florida. The private pilot sustained serious injuries. The flight was conducted under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight.
Flight Details
Preliminary ADS-B data indicated the airplane departed Vero Beach Regional Airport (VRB) about 1000. It flew eastbound, climbed to about 3,000 ft, then turned north along the shoreline. The airplane descended to between 300 ft and 600 ft for cruise flight before executing a 180° left turn and proceeding southbound over the Indian River at about 500 ft. Around 1013, it performed a rapid climb to about 1,200 ft, then maneuvered over two golf courses at low altitude, turned westbound, and made a wide 180° turn back toward VRB. About 8 miles west of VRB, at approximately 2,400 ft, it completed four 360° right turns, then turned sharply left to the northeast and descended, aligning with the runway 12 extended centerline. During the final minute, the airplane continued descending while turning sharply south, north, and west before the flight track ended at the accident site.
A witness reported hearing the engine "sputter" as the airplane flew west to east. The airplane then climbed and "rocked his wings." Subsequently, the engine "sputtered and stopped," and the airplane "angled nose down" before impacting the ground. There was no fire, and the witness called 911 and responded to assist the pilot.
Pilot Information
The pilot held a private pilot certificate with a rating for airplane single-engine land. His most recent FAA third-class medical certificate was issued January 29, 2025. The pilot's logbook, starting October 28, 2017, carried forward 1,415 total flight hours from a previous logbook that was not recovered. All carried-forward time and subsequent entries were in the accident airplane make and model. The most recent logbook entry was June 26, 2024, showing 1,722.7 total hours.
Aircraft Information
The aircraft was a 1993 Aviat Inc Pitts S-2B, powered by a Lycoming AEIO-540-D4A5 260-horsepower engine. It was equipped with a 24-gallon main fuel tank (23 useable) and a 5-gallon auxiliary fuel tank (5 useable). The most recent annual inspection was completed May 27, 2024, at 1,725.3 total aircraft hours. The tachometer at the accident site read 1,761.3 hours.
Examination Findings
A cursory examination at the scene revealed no fuel, no odor of fuel, and no evidence of fuel spillage. The fuel boost pump switch was in the "on" position. The airplane was recovered to a secure facility for a detailed NTSB examination. Control continuity was confirmed from the cockpit to all flight control surfaces. The engine crankshaft rotated freely, and continuity was confirmed through the powertrain, valvetrain, and accessory section. Compression was verified on each cylinder using the thumb method. Both magnetos produced spark at all terminal towers when rotated by an electric drill. The electric fuel pump contained only trace amounts of fuel and functioned when energized. The mechanical fuel pump contained only trace amounts and functioned when actuated by hand. The fuel manifold contained no fuel.
Fuel Records
According to employees of the fixed base operator (FBO) where the pilot was a regular customer, on the accident day the pilot taxied to the self-service fuel pump but departed without purchasing fuel because the pump was in use. The FBO manager reported that the pilot's most recent fuel purchase was on January 4, 2025, for 12.4 gallons. The normal convention was to fill the main tank only and leave the upper auxiliary tank empty unless on an extended flight. Preliminary ADS-B data indicated total estimated flight time over four flights since that purchase was 1.6 hours, not including engine start, run-up, taxi, or takeoff times. According to the airplane flight manual, fuel consumption rates at 2,000 ft with power settings of 2,700 rpm and 27 inches manifold pressure were about 21 gallons per hour; at 2,600 rpm and 27 inches, about 18.7 gallons per hour.