# NTSB CHI93LA347: Wells Pitts S-2-S, N10T, Bloomington, IL, August 22, 1993

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 22, 1993, 12:30 local (17:30 UTC)
- Place: Bloomington, IL
- Coordinates: 40.470813, -88.93959 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=40.4708&lon=-88.9396&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed, report August 17, 1994
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 9302
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI93LA347
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/9302/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI93LA347

## Probable cause

the pilot in command continued the aerobatic maneuver too long to effect a safe level off.

## 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 - performed, pilot in command
  - stall/spin - performed, pilot in command
  - level off - delayed, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

WHILE PERFORMING AEROBATIC MANEUVERS DURING AN AIR SHOW, THE PILOT CONTINUED AEROBATIC MANEUVERS TO AN ALTITUDE TOO LOW TO RECOVER.

## Factual narrative

On August 22, 1993, about 1230 CDT, an experimental homebuilt Wells Pitts S-2-S airplane, N10T, registered and piloted by commercially certificated, Charles S. Wells of Springfield, Illinois, was performing aerobatic maneuvers during an air show at Bloomington-Normal Airport, Bloomington, Illinois. While attempting a recovery from a maneuver the aircraft descended into the terrain.  The aircraft was destroyed and the pilot sustained fatal injuries.  This flight was operating under a waiver to 14 CFR 91.

No flight plan was filed and visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the occurrence.  The flight originated from Bloomington, Illinois.

Witnesses reported that N10T exited a lomcevak into an inverted flat spin "...too low for possibility of recovery."  The aircraft impacted the terrain nose down at approximately 45 degrees.

Toxicological testing found no carbon monoxide, cyanide, volatiles or drugs.  An autopsy revealed no pre-existing abnormalities which would have inhibited the pilot's normal flying ability.  The autopsy was performed at McLean County Coroner's Office, Bloomington, Illinois.

Post-accident investigation of the aircraft found no evidence of pre-impact mechanical malfunction.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N10T](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N10T-2012-05-03), registration cancelled 2012-05-03, S/N 2000, built 1970 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: WELLS PITTS S-2-S (PITTS S-2-)
- Registry model: [Wells-Kelly-Wells PITTS S-2-S](https://openairdocs.org/model/wells-kelly-wells-pitts-s-2-s) (registry code 722020D) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming O&VO-360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-o-vo-360-series) (registry code 41514, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: 2000
- Engines: LYCOMING AEIO-540-D4A5 260 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Part 91
- Operator: Wells, Charles S.
- Registered owner: Charles And George Wells
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Departed: BMI
- Destination: BMI
- Airport: BMI, Bloomington-Normal Airpt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 69; flight instructor, commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: center; toxicology performed; flight hours: 14,450 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 340° at 6 knots
- Visibility: 5 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 10,000 ft overcast
- Temperature: 72 °F, dew point 66 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: BMI

## 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 19930822029839A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19930822029839A), Aug 22, 1993: Child S2SPITTS, Bloomington-Nor, IL, Destroyed, 1 fatal. During air show aerobatic maneuvers executed lomcevak into inverted spin to low for possibility of recovery.

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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