# NTSB CHI83FA125: Dodd Pitts S1S, N11D, Harvard, IL, March 1, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: March 1, 1983, 11:40 local (17:40 UTC)
- Place: Harvard, IL
- Location: 42.4296° N, 88.6211° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Harvard, IL, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=42.4296&lon=-88.6211&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 11981
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI83FA125
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/11981/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI83FA125

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering
  - aerobatics - performed, pilot in command (cause)
  - stall/spin - inadvertent, pilot in command (cause)
  - emergency procedure - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - throttle/power control - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE ACFT CRASHED INTO AN OPEN FIELD LEAVING NO GROUND SCARS OTHER THAN THE PRINCIPAL IMPACT. ONE WITNESS SAW THE ACFT STALL AT THE TOP OF A LOOP AND GO INTO A SPIN (TAIL-DOWN). HE STATED THE ACFT ROTATED 6-8 TIMES PRIOR TO IMPACT WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING. THE ACFT OWNER STATED THAT 'IF THE PLANE GOES INTO A VERY FLAT SPIN INVERTED, THE ONLY WAY OUT IS TOCUT THE POWER.'

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N11D](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N11D-1983-06-06), registration cancelled 1983-06-06, S/N 18P (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: DODD PITTS S1S
- Registry model: [Dodd PITTS S-1S](https://openairdocs.org/model/dodd-pitts-s-1s) (registry code 72202CQ) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: 18P
- Airframe hours: 418
- Engines: LYCOMING O-360-A1A 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Part 91
- Registered owner: Henry L. Riedemann
- Last inspection: Annual, September 14, 1982, 10 hours before
- Departed: 10C, WONDER LAKE, IL

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 53; airline transport; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: center; toxicology performed; flight hours: 15,200 total, 12 in this make and model, 15,000 as pilot in command, 185 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 270° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 39 °F

## 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 19830301005649A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19830301005649A), Mar 1, 1983: Amtrpt PITTSSPECS1, Harvard, IL, Destroyed. Stalled at the top of a loop. Entered a flat inverted spin. Failed to recover by closing the throttle.

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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