# NTSB ANC26LA098: Pitts Model 12, N491X, Lake Stevens, WA, September 7, 2026

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Preliminary report
- Date: September 6, 2026, 18:00 local (Sep 7, 2026, 01:00 UTC)
- Place: Lake Stevens, WA
- Coordinates: 48.098087, -122.05353
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=48.0981&lon=-122.0535&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Defining event: [Maneuvering-aerobatics: Loss of engine power (partial)](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/342)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious
- Status: Investigation ongoing
- Investigation class: Class 3
- NTSB office: Alaska Regional Office
- Parties: FAA FSDO
- NTSB case key (mKey): 203753
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ANC26LA098
- NTSB preliminary report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/203753/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC26LA098

## Preliminary report

On September 6, 2026, about 1800 Pacific daylight time, an experimental Pitts Model 12 airplane, N491X, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Lake Stevens, Washington. The pilot sustained serious injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. According to the pilot, after departing Frontier Air Park (WN53), Lake Stevens, Washington, he began practicing a series of aerobatic maneuvers in the vicinity of the airport. During a spin, the airplane experienced what the pilot described as a partial loss of engine power. After recovering from the spin, the pilot applied full power, but the engine did not respond. The pilot attempted to troubleshoot by activating the electric boost pump; however, the engine remained at idle power. The pilot stated that he determined he would not reach the runway and aimed for a treed area between two homes. The pilot further stated that, while attempting to extend the airplane's glide at low altitude, the airplane subsequently entered a right spin. The pilot reported that he regained control of the airplane, rolled the wings level, and flared before impacting terrain. Multiple witnesses captured video of the accident sequence and the aerobatic maneuvers that preceded the accident. The videos show the accident airplane recover from a series of spins at a low altitude, make a right turn, and fly wings level for several seconds before entering another spin and descending below the tree line. The propeller can be seen rotating, and engine noise is audible throughout the recorded accident sequence. Figure Accident airplane at accident site (NTSB Photo) The airplane impacted a treed area between two homes and came to rest on its left side (see figure), which resulted in substantial damage to the wings and fuselage. The wreckage was recovered to a secure facility for further examination.

## Sequence of events

The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened.

- [Maneuvering-aerobatics: Loss of engine power (partial)](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/342) (defining event); cases with it: [Sorrell M/Mcilraith G PITTS MODEL 12, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/342/sequence.md?model=05901DD), [All aircraft, 1,858 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/342/sequence.md)

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N491X](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N491X), registered now, S/N 96 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PITTS MODEL 12
- Registry model: [Sorrell M/Mcilraith G PITTS MODEL 12](https://openairdocs.org/model/sorrell-m-mcilraith-g-pitts-model-12) (registry code 05901DD) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: 96
- Year built: 2006
- Airframe hours: 327
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Last inspection: Condition, May 26, 2026, 15 hours before
- Departed: WN53, Lake Stevens, WA
- Airport: WN53, Frontier Air Park
- Equipment: ADS-B

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 300° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 72 °F, dew point 48 °F
- Altimeter: 29.97 inHg
- Icing: Unknown
- Turbulence: Unknown
- Observed at: AWO, 6 nm away
- METAR: METAR KAWO 070056Z AUTO 30008KT 10SM CLR 22/09 A2997 RMK AO2 SLP155 T02170094 $

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 20260906012759A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20260906012759A), Sep 6, 2026: Mark Sorrell & Glen Mcilraith PITTS MODEL 12, Lake Stevens, WA, Destroyed. On September 6, 2026, at approximately 1807 pacific daylight time, an experimental aircraft was destroyed following a loss of engine power and subsequent…

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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