# NTSB ATL89DLT04: Pitts S-1, N8336, Butler, TN, July 9, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Final report
- Date: July 9, 1989, 11:00 local (15:00 UTC)
- Place: Butler, TN
- Coordinates: 36.3096, -81.999694 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=36.3096&lon=-81.9997&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report July 22, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 7845
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL89DLT04
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/7845/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL89DLT04

## Probable cause

THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN CLEARANCE FROM THE SURFACE DURING AN IMPROMPTU ACROBATIC MANEUVER.

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- In flight collision with terrain/water, maneuvering
  - aerobatics - initiated, pilot in command
  - terrain condition - water
  - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE PILOT STATED THAT HE HAD INITIATED AN IMMELMAN. DURING THE MANEUVER HE CHANGED HIS MIND. HE ATTEMPTED TO COMPLETE THE MANEUVER WITH A LOOP. THERE WAS INSUFFICIENT ALTITUDE TO RECOVER AND HE CRASHED INTO THE LAKE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8336](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N8336-1992-01-24), registration cancelled 1992-01-24, S/N 22436 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PITTS S-1
- Registry model: [Lind PITTS SPECIAL S-1](https://openairdocs.org/model/lind-pitts-special-s-1) (registry code 7220713) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: 22436
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-E2D 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Frank Lon Tester
- Departed: 6A4, MOUNTAIN CITY, TN
- Destination: MOR, MORRISTOWN, TN

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 51; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: unknown, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; flight hours: 1,400 total, 150 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 160° at 4 knots
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 75 °F, dew point -0 °F
- Observed at: TRI, 20 nm away

## 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 19890709021189A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19890709021189A), Jul 9, 1989: Amtrpt PITTSSPECS1, Wataga Lake, TN, Destroyed. Pilot report aircraft struck the water of the lake during performance of a inside loop.

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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