# NTSB CHI92LA190: Pitts S2B, N92BT, Aurora, NE, June 27, 1992

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 27, 1992, 16:45 local (21:45 UTC)
- Place: Aurora, NE
- Coordinates: 40.859813, -98.000083 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=40.8598&lon=-98.0001&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report September 28, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 15480
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI92LA190
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/15480/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI92LA190

## Probable cause

THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND'S RESTRICTED VISUAL LOOKOUT FROM SMOKE ENTERING THE COCKPIT.  FACTORS WERE SMOKE IN THE COCKPIT WHICH RESULTED IN THE PILOT BECOMING DISORIENTED.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with terrain/water, maneuvering
  - aerobatics - intentional, pilot in command
  - fuselage,crew compartment - smoke (contributing factor)
  - visual lookout - restricted (cause)
  - became lost/disoriented (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - crop

## Analysis

WHILE PRACTICING AEROBATIC MANEUVERS THE PILOT WAS UTILIZING THE FACTORY INSTALLED SMOKE SYSTEM.  DURING A SPIN, SMOKE ENTERED THE COCKPIT AND THE PILOT LOST VISUAL REFERENCE QUES.  WHEN THE CONDITION DID NOT DISSIPATE QUICKLY, HE JETTISONED THE CANOPY.  HE SAW THE GROUND COMING UP QUICKLY AND LEVELED THE WINGS AND IMPACTED CROPS AND THE TERRAIN.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N92BT](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N92BT), registered now, S/N 5262, built 1992 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PITTS S2B
- Registry model: [Aviat PITTS S-2B](https://openairdocs.org/model/aviat-pitts-s-2b) (registry code 2210308) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming AEIO-540 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-aeio-540-series) (registry code 41568, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 5237
- Airframe hours: 69
- Engines: LYCOMING AEIO-540-DA45 260 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Thomsen, Burton L.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Aerobatic; Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, December 27, 1991, 69 hours before

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 45; private; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: rear; flight hours: 1,185 total, 56 in this make and model, 1,050 as pilot in command, 65 in the last 90 days, 39 in the last 30 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 150° at 13 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 4,400 ft broken
- Temperature: 70 °F, dew point 55 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: GRI, 16 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 19920627021999A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19920627021999A), Jun 27, 1992: Child S2BPITTS, Aurora, NE, Destroyed. Smoke in cockpit from air show smoke generator during a spin. Blew canopy. Pulled out late. Impacted flat and level

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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