# NTSB CHI91DEP08: Jack Thomas Pitts S-IT, N83AM, Kenosha, WI, June 16, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Final report
- Date: June 16, 1991, 17:08 local (23:08 UTC)
- Place: Kenosha, WI
- Coordinates: 42.620948, -87.829704 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=42.6209&lon=-87.8297&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed, report March 24, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 14841
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI91DEP08
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/14841/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI91DEP08

## Probable cause

IMPROPER MAINTENANCE, BY PERSON OR PERSONS UNKNOWN, TO THE ELEVATOR CONTROL SYSTEM WHICH ALLOWED A BOLT ATTACHING THE ELEVATOR CONTROL ROD TO THE PITCH BELLCRANK TO BECOME DISCONNECTED DURING FLIGHT.

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, maneuvering
  - flt control syst,elevator control cable/rod - disconnected (contributing factor)
  - maintenance,installation - improper, unknown (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - aircraft control - not possible, pilot in command

## Analysis

THE AMATEUR BUILT AIRCRAFT WAS CONDUCTING AEROBATIC MANEUVERS WHEN IT DESCENDED INTO THE TERRAIN.  A POST ACCIDENT EXAMINATION OF THE AIRFRAME REVEALED THAT THE PITCH (ELEVATOR) CONTROL LINKAGE UNDER THE PILOT'S SEAT, AT THE BELLCRANK, WAS MISSING A BOLT.  THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE OF AN INFLIGHT FAILURE IN THIS AREA AND BOTH THE TORQUE TUBE AND ROD END SHOWED NO INDICATION OF DAMAGE.  THE BOLT WAS NOT LOCATED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N83AM](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N83AM-2014-12-03), registration cancelled 2014-12-03, S/N T-020TJ, built 1983 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: JACK THOMAS PITTS S-IT
- Registry model: [Jack Thomas PITTS S-1T](https://openairdocs.org/model/jack-thomas-pitts-s-1t) (registry code 72206AT) (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: T-020TJ
- Engines: LYCOMING AEI0-360-A1E 200 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: David Cargill
- Registered owner: D M Car Co Inc
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, July 9, 1990, 40 hours before

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 38; commercial, private; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: front; toxicology performed

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Temperature: -0 °F, dew point -0 °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 19910616021879A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910616021879A), Jun 16, 1991: Amtr PITTSS1T, Kenosha, WI, Destroyed, 1 fatal. Crashed during acrobatic maneuvers. Bolt missing from pitch control linkage. Trim tab was full down.

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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