Fatal Aerobatic Accident Involving Pitts S-1S in Kulmbach

Casualties unknown • Kulmbach, DE

A pilot was killed when his amateur-built Pitts S-1S entered an uncontrolled spin during aerobatic maneuvers near Kulmbach, Germany.

What happened

On September 20, 2020, at approximately 16:02 local time, an amateur-built Pitts S-1S crashed into a field near the Kulmbach airfield (EDQK) in Germany. The aircraft had departed from Kulmbach at 15:36 local time for a flight involving several aerobatic maneuvers.

Witnesses and video recordings indicated that the pilot was performing a series of rolls. During the maneuvers, the aircraft entered an uncontrolled, spinning descent from an altitude of approximately 700 to 800 meters. Observers noted that the engine noise ceased during the descent, suggesting a loss of power. The aircraft struck the ground at a steep angle of approximately 70 to 80 degrees, with an impact speed of roughly 150 mph. The pilot sustained fatal injuries in the crash, and the aircraft was destroyed.

The investigation

The BFU investigation examined the aircraft's technical condition, the pilot's credentials, and the aircraft's weight and balance. The investigation included a review of maintenance records, which revealed a handwritten weight report from 2007 but no documentation regarding a recent engine modification (the installed IO-360 engine did not match the O-360 engine listed on the type plate).

The BFU performed a weight and balance calculation based on the aircraft's empty weight, estimated remaining fuel, and the pilot's weight. The analysis determined the center of gravity (CG) was at 170.46 cm, which was behind the permitted range of 165.2 to 167.9 cm.

Findings

  • The pilot held a valid PPL(A) but did not possess an aerobatic rating or specific training for aerobatic flight.
  • The aircraft's center of gravity was outside the allowable limits, positioned behind the permitted range.
  • The aircraft was operating with an estimated 27.35 liters of fuel remaining; the flight manual recommends against performing low-altitude aerobatics when fuel levels are below one-quarter of the tank capacity.
  • There was a discrepancy between the engine's type plate (O-360) and the actual installed engine (IO-360), with no documentation found regarding this modification.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by the aircraft entering an uncontrolled spin during aerobatic maneuvers, likely exacerbated by the aircraft being operated with a center of gravity outside of its permitted limits and the pilot performing maneuvers without the required aerobatic certification.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2020-09-20 Amateurbau Pitts S-1S accident near Kulmbach, DE?

A pilot was killed when his amateur-built Pitts S-1S entered an uncontrolled spin during aerobatic maneuvers near Kulmbach, Germany.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2020-09-20 involved a Amateurbau Pitts S-1S, at Kulmbach, DE.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by the aircraft entering an uncontrolled spin during aerobatic maneuvers, likely exacerbated by the aircraft being operated with a center of gravity outside of its permitted limits and the pilot performing maneuvers without the required aerobatic certification.

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