# NTSB ATL91LA162: Harold J. Eagen Pitts Special S-1C, N9HE, Monroe, GA, August 16, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 16, 1991, 16:57 local (20:57 UTC)
- Place: Monroe, GA
- Coordinates: 33.790752, -83.709579 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.7908&lon=-83.7096&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed, report March 24, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 8459
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL91LA162
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/8459/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL91LA162

## Probable cause

CONTAMINATION AND WATER EXISTING IN THE FUEL SYSTEM WHICH RESULTED IN ENGINE STOPPAGE AND THE PILOT'S CONTINUED FLIGHT WITH A KNOWN AIRCRAFT DEFICIENCY.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - mech failure/malf, go-around (vfr)
  - fluid,fuel - contamination (cause)
  - fluid,fuel - water (cause)
  - operation with known deficiencies in equipment - performed, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with object, descent - emergency
  - object - tree(s)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE PRIVATE PILOT WAS FLYING THE NEWLY PURCHASED HOMBEBUILT AIRPLANE WHEN THE ENGINE BEGAN TO RUN ROUGHLY.  THIS ENGINE ROUGHNESS COINCIDED WITH SWITCHING FUEL TANKS.  HE LANDED AND HAD SOME FRIENDS CHECK THE AIRPLANE; IT WAS THEN ASSUMED THAT OLD FUEL STILL REMAINED IN THE UPPER FUEL TANK. AFTER A LOCAL 'TEST FLIGHT', HE DECIDED TO CONTINUE THE TRIP USING THE LOWER TANK ONLY.  SHORTLY AFTER TAKEOFF, HE REPORTED THAT THE ENGINE WAS 'DETONATING'.  HE WAS OBSERVED ON SHORT FINAL AT A NEARBY AIRPORT, THEN HE WAS OBSERVED EXECUTING A GO-AROUND.  THE AIRPLANE THEN DESCENDED INTO NEARBY TREES, CRASHED, AND BURNED.  INSPECTION OF THE WRECKAGE REVEALED WATER AND CORROSION IN THE AIRCRAFT FUEL SYSTEM.  THE AIRPLANE, WHICH WAS ABOUT 10-YEARS-OLD, HAD A TOTAL FLIGHT TIME OF 46 HOURS.  REPORTEDLY, IT WAS STORED FOR SEVERAL YEARS PRIOR TO THE PURCHASE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N9HE](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N9HE-1992-12-15), registration cancelled 1992-12-15, S/N 101 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: HAROLD J. EAGEN PITTS SPECIAL S-1C (PITTS SPEC)
- Registry model: [Eagen Harold J PITTS SPECIAL S-1C](https://openairdocs.org/model/eagen-harold-j-pitts-special-s-1c) (registry code 7221174) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: 101
- Airframe hours: 46
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-D2C 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Brooks, James D.
- Registered owner: Brooks, James D.
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, August 10, 1991, 7 hours before
- Departed: 9A1, COVINGTON, GA
- Destination: CEU, CLEMSON, SC
- Airport: A06, Walton County, runway 3, 3,300 × 60 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 42; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: center; toxicology performed; flight hours: 670 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 110° at 4 knots
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 75 °F, dew point 66 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: AHN, 21 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 19910816034489A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910816034489A), Aug 16, 1991: Amtrpt PITTSSPECS1C, Monroe, GA, Destroyed, 1 fatal. Rough engine,tried to land at airport but began go around,stalled,hit trees and burned. Water,dirt in fuel.

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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