# NTSB ATL91FA005: Pitts Special S-1, N1235, Ocala, FL, October 17, 1990

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: October 17, 1990, 18:00 local (22:00 UTC)
- Place: Ocala, FL
- Location: 29.1872° N, 82.1401° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Ocala, FL, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=29.1872&lon=-82.1401&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed, report December 30, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 8293
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL91FA005
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/8293/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL91FA005

## Probable cause

THE PILOT EXPERIENCCED SPATIAL DISORIENTATION, LOST CONTROL OF THE AIRPLANE DURING A SPIN MANEUVER AND COLLIDED WITH THE GROUND.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering
  - spatial disorientation, pilot in command (cause)
  - stall/spin - intentional, pilot in command
  - flight controls - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - terrain condition - ground

## Analysis

THE PILOT WAS PRACTICING AEROBATIC MANEUVERS FOR AN UPCOMING COMPETITION. THE PILOT'S ROUTINE INCLUDED A SPIN MANEUVER WHICH REQUIRED TWO TURNS. ACCORDING TO A FRIEND, THE PILOT HAD EXPERIENCED SOME DIFFICULTY WITH SPIN ENTRY. THIS SPIN ENTRY WAS SHARPER AND THE NOSE WAS TUCKED APPROXIMATE 60 DEGREES INSTEAD OF THE NORMAL 45 DEGREES OF NOSE LOW ATTITUDE. AFTER APPROXIMATELY 8 TURNS THE WITNESS REALIZED THAT SOMETHING WAS WRONG. THE AIRPLANE IMPACTED THE GROUND IN AN UPRIGHT ATTITUDE ADJACENT TO THE SOD RUNWAY. THE AIRFRAME AND ENGINE EXAMINATIONS FAILED TO DISCLOSE ANY SYSTEM MALFUNCTION OR COMPONENT FAILURE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N1235](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N1235-2016-08-16), registration cancelled 2016-08-16, S/N 51667, built 1970 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PITTS SPECIAL S-1
- Registry model: [Pitts Special S-1C](https://openairdocs.org/model/pitts-special-s-1c) (registry code 72202TX) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming AEIO-360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-aeio-360-series) (registry code 41522, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: 51667
- Engines: LYCOMING IO-360-A2B 200 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Thorp, Patricia J.

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 41; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; toxicology performed; flight hours: 589 total, 40 in this make and model, 414 as pilot in command, 39 in the last 90 days, 8 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 90° at 3 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: -0 °F, dew point -0 °F
- Observed at: 0CF, 15 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 19901017046209A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19901017046209A), Oct 17, 1990: Amtrpt PITTSSPECS1C, Ocala, FL, Substantial damage, 1 fatal. Practice acrobatics. Entered spin from immelman. Spin somewhat flat. Did not recover prior impact. No defects noted

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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