# NTSB CHI90DEV07: Pitts S2B, N260RM, Springfield, IL, August 5, 1990

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Final report
- Date: August 5, 1990, 17:22 local (22:22 UTC)
- Place: Springfield, IL
- Coordinates: 39.850044, -89.650978 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.8500&lon=-89.6510&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 2 fatal
- Status: Completed, report September 21, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 14501
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI90DEV07
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/14501/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI90DEV07

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN FLYING SPEED AND ALLOWED THE AIRCRAFT TO STALL DURING THE BREAK TURN TO DOWNWIND.

## Analysis

THE PILOT TOOK OFF AND CLIMBED INTO THE TRAFFIC PATTERN FOR A TOUCH-AND-GO. HE REQUESTED AND WAS CLEARED FOR A BREAK TURN TO DOWNWIND. WITNESSES REPORT AN ABRUPT LEFT TURN TOWARD THE DOWNWIND DURING WHICH THE AIRPLANE COMMENCED A LEFT SPINNING DESCENT TO COLLISION WITH THE GROUND. NO MECHANICAL DESCREPANCY WAS FOUND WITH THE AIRFRAME OR ENGINE.

## Sequence of events

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

- Abrupt maneuver, approach - vfr pattern - downwind
  - aircraft control - excessive, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - stall/spin - not corrected, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - terrain condition - soft

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N260RM](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N260RM-2013-09-20), registration cancelled 2013-09-20, S/N 5161, built 1989 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PITTS S2B
- Registry model: [Christen Industries PITTS S-2B](https://openairdocs.org/model/christen-industries-pitts-s-2b) (registry code 2210006) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming AEIO-540 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-aeio-540-series) (registry code 41568, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 5161
- Airframe hours: 46
- Engines: LYCOMING AEIO-540-D4A5 260 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Regal Quality Air, Inc.
- Registered owner: Regal Quality Air, Inc
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Aerobatic; Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, May 2, 1990, 11 hours before
- Airport: SPI, Capital, runway 30, 5,300 × 150 ft, concrete

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 33; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: rear; flight hours: 778 total, 7 in this make and model, 676 as pilot in command, 18 in the last 90 days, 5 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 12 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 79 °F, dew point 59 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: SPI, 1 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 19900805030049A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19900805030049A), Aug 5, 1990: Child S2BPITTS, Springfield, IL, Substantial damage, 2 fatal. Stalled making a steep turn to downwind from an overhead approach. Went into a spin and never recovered.

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date; 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.