# NTSB ATL98LA045: Pitts S-2A, N32TP, New Smyrna Beac, FL, February 17, 1998 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: February 17, 1998, 17:20 local (22:20 UTC) - Place: New Smyrna Beac, FL - Coordinates: 29.020751, -80.919021 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=29.0208&lon=-80.9190&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 2 uninjured - Status: Completed, report February 15, 2001 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 3971 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL98LA045 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/3971/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL98LA045 ## Probable cause The loss of engine power for undetermined reasons, and, the jammed engine starter drive assembly, that prevented an engine restart in flight. A factor was the soft terrain. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, maneuvering - reason for occurrence undetermined (cause) - Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, maneuvering - engine accessories,engine starter - jammed (cause) - Forced landing, descent - emergency - In flight collision with terrain/water, emergency descent/landing - terrain condition - soft (contributing factor) ## Analysis The pilot reported that they were performing flat spin maneuvers when the propeller assembly stopped turning, and the engine quit. Attempts, by the pilot, to restart the engine, failed. The pilot surveyed the immediate area for an emergency landing area. The pilot selected a landfill for an emergency landing. The airplane touched down on the main landing gear, sank into the soft soil, and flipped over on the left side. Examination of the airplane disclosed that the starter drive assembly was stuck, and it was also jammed against the engine flywheel. The starter drive assembly was described as being 'gummed up'. After the starter drive assembly was freed the engine started normally. According to the Chief Test Pilot for Aviat Aircraft Inc, Pitts Aviation Enterprises, Inc., and other S-2A pilots, it is not uncommon for the S-2A to experience a loss of engine power during the execution of a flat spin. The normal restart procedure requires the use of the starter assembly. Examination maintenance records disclosed that the airframe maintenance procedures were completed in accordance with prescribed procedures. ## Factual narrative On February 17, 1998, at 1720 eastern standard time, a Pitts S-2A, N32TP, collided with the ground, according to the pilot, as he was attempting an emergency landing five miles north of New Smyrna Beach, Florida. The pilot reported that the flight operated under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91, and he had not filed a flight plan. He also stated that visual weather conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. According to the pilot, the airframe sustained substantial airframe damage. Neither of the two air transport pilots on board the airplane were injured. The flight departed Spruce Creek Airport in Daytona Beach Florida, at 1700. The pilot reported that they were performing flat spin maneuvers when the propeller assembly stopped turning. At the same time, the pilot realized that the engine had also quit. Attempts, by the pilot, to restart the engine, failed. The pilot surveyed the immediate area for an emergency landing area. The pilot said, he selected a landfill and established an approach for an emergency landing. He recalled, as the airplane touched down, the main landing gear sank into the soft soil, and the airplane flipped over on the left side. Examination of the airplane disclosed that the starter drive assembly was stuck, and it was also jammed against the engine flywheel. The starter drive assembly was described as being "gummed up".". After the starter drive assembly was freed the engine started normally. The normal restart procedure requires the use of the starter assembly. Examination maintenance records disclosed that the airframe maintenance procedures were completed in accordance with prescribed procedures. According to the pilot the starter assembly had not been serviced in several years. According to the Chief Test Pilot for Aviat Aircraft Inc, Pitts Aviation Enterprises, Inc., and other S-2A pilots, it is not uncommon for the S-2A to experience a loss of engine power during the execution of a flat spin. The normal in-flight restart procedures are required to recover from this maneuver. (see attached emergency procedures for in-flight engine restart). ## Aircraft - Registration: N32TP (not matched to a registry record) - Reported make and model: Pitts S-2A - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 2179 - Airframe hours: 1390 - Engines: Lycoming IO-360-A1A 200 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Registered owner: Timothy T. Plunkett - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Aerobatic - Last inspection: Annual, January 12, 1998, 7 hours before - Departed: 44J, DAYTONA BEACH, FL - Airport: 44J, Spruce Creek Airport, runway 23, 4,000 × 200 ft, asphalt ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 48; commercial, airline transport; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: rear; flight hours: 15,000 total, 600 in this make and model, 6,100 as pilot in command ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 250° at 12 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 75 °F - Altimeter: 29.00 inHg - Observed at: DAB, 360 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 19980217006069A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19980217006069A), Feb 17, 1998: Child S2APITTS, Daytona Beach, FL, Substantial damage. Spin maneuver. Engine quit. Prop stopped. Unable restrat. Landed soft landfill. Flipped over.(.4) on February 17, 1998, at 1720 eastern standard time,a pitts… 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. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.