# NTSB DEN08LA124: Aerotek Pitts S-2A, N80053, Cleveland, TX, July 19, 2008 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Fatal · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: July 19, 2008, 12:58 local (17:58 UTC) - Place: Cleveland, TX - Coordinates: 30.356388, -95.007774 - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=30.3564&lon=-95.0078&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining event: [Maneuvering-aerobatics: Loss of control in flight](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240) - Highest injury: Fatal - Injuries: 1 fatal - Status: Completed, report January 29, 2009 - Report: Approved by Office Director - Parties: Federal Aviation Administration - NTSB case key (mKey): 68482 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=DEN08LA124 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/68482/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN08LA124 ## Probable cause the pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during his attempted performance of aerobatic maneuvers shortly after takeoff. ## Findings NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause. - [Experience/qualifications: qualification/certification](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02031010): Personnel issues › Experience/knowledge · Pilot; cases with it: [Aerotek PITTS S-2A, 2 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02031010/cases.md?model=0110201), [All aircraft, 280 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02031010/cases.md) - [Use of equip/info: aircraft control](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040): Personnel issues › Task performance · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Aerotek PITTS S-2A, 3 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md?model=0110201), [All aircraft, 9,295 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md) - [Performance/control parameters](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062000): Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability · Incorrect use/operation (probable cause); cases with it: [Aerotek PITTS S-2A, 2 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062000/cases.md?model=0110201), [All aircraft, 1,269 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062000/cases.md) ## Sequence of events The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened. - [Maneuvering-aerobatics: Loss of control in flight](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240) (defining event); cases with it: [Aerotek PITTS S-2A, 2 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240/sequence.md?model=0110201), [All aircraft, 5,002 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240/sequence.md) - [Uncontrolled descent: Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT) ](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470); cases with it: [Aerotek PITTS S-2A, 3 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md?model=0110201), [All aircraft, 10,189 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md) ## Analysis Witness stated that shortly after rotation, the airplane entered a "barrel roll" maneuver. The airplane "veered off to the right, nose and right wing low, [until] it hit the west edge tree line." The airplane came to rest in a wooded area approximately 300 yards west of the runway centerline. Acquaintances stated the pilot had been known in the past to attempt an aerobatic maneuver shortly after takeoff. No anomalies were noted with the airframe or engine. The private pilot had not held a current medical certificate for the past 6 years. ## Factual narrative On July 19, 2008, at 1258 central daylight time, an Aerotek Pitts S-2A single-engine aerobatic airplane, N80053, was destroyed when it impacted terrain during takeoff from the Cleveland Municipal Airport (6R3), Cleveland, Texas. The private pilot, who was the sole occupant and registered owner of the airplane, sustained fatal injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The flight was originating at the time of the accident. Witness stated that the airplane was departing on runway 16 (4,998 feet long by 75 feet wide) at 6R3. Shortly after rotation, the airplane entered a "barrel roll" maneuver. The airplane "veered off to the right, nose and right wing low, [until] it hit the west edge tree line." The airplane came to rest in a wooded area approximately 300 yards west of the runway centerline. Acquaintances stated the pilot had been known in the past to attempt an aerobatic maneuver shortly after takeoff. Examination of the airplane by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) airworthiness inspector showed the airplane wreckage was located approximately 3/4 down the length of the runway. Flight control continuity was established and the propeller was destroyed. The wreckage was fragmented and came to rest facing the direction of departure. The airplane wreckage was located within a 25-foot diameter. A review of the pilot's airman records revealed that the 87-year old private pilot had a not had a current medical certificate since 2002. On his 2000 application for an airman medical application, the pilot reported a total of 1,010 flight hours and 20 hours in the previous 6 months. The pilot's logbook was not recovered. An autopsy was performed on the pilot by the Southeast Texas Forensic Center, Beaumont, Texas, on July 20, 2008, and specimens were retained for toxicological analysis by the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) Civil Aeromedical Institute's (CAMI) Forensic and Accident Research Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Toxicological tests were negative for carbon monoxide, cyanide, ethanol, and all screen substances. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N80053](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N80053), registered now, S/N 2111, built 1975 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Aerotek Pitts S-2A - Registry model: [Aerotek PITTS S-2A](https://openairdocs.org/model/aerotek-pitts-s-2a) (registry code 0110201) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Lycoming I0360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-i0360-series) (registry code 41515, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 2111 - Engines: Lycoming AEIO-360-A1A 200 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Destroyed - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Registered owner: Robert B. Scott - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Aerobatic - Departed: 6R3, Cleveland, TX - Airport: 6R3, Cleveland Municipal, runway 16, 4,998 × 75 ft, asphalt ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 87; injuries: fatal; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3; seat: rear; toxicology performed; flight hours: 1,010 total ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 6 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 90 °F, dew point 70 °F - Altimeter: 30.02 inHg - Observed at: CXO ## 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 20080719841209A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20080719841209A), Jul 19, 2008: Ayres S2A, Cleveland, TX, Destroyed, 1 fatal. (-23) The pilot departed runway 16 at Cleveland Municipal Airport (6R3). Just after take off the aircraft headed into the tree line to the right of the runway.… ## Other investigations on N80053 (2) 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. - [NTSB LAX84LA331](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX84LA331), Jun 3, 1984: Pitts S2A (N80053), Redlands, CA, substantial damage - [NTSB LAX77FUM16](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX77FUM16), Feb 19, 1977: Pitts S-2A (N80053), Santee, CA, substantial damage 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. --- 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.