# NTSB ERA11LA043: Aviat Pitts S-2B, N8ZT, Hilton Head Island, SC, October 29, 2010 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: October 29, 2010, 14:30 local (18:30 UTC) - Place: Hilton Head Island, SC - Coordinates: 32.224445, -80.696945 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=32.2244&lon=-80.6969&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Taxi](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/250) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining events: [Taxi-to runway: Ground collision](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/200); [Taxi-to runway: Ground collision](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/200) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 4 uninjured - Status: Completed, report July 21, 2011 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB office: Eastern Region Aviation - Parties: FAA/FSDO - NTSB case key (mKey): 77692 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ERA11LA043 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/77692/pdf - NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=77692 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA11LA043 ## Probable cause (aircraft 1) The Pitts pilot's inadequate visual lookout and failure to maintain clearance from the Cirrus airplane. ## Probable cause (aircraft 2) The Pitts pilot's inadequate visual lookout. ## Findings NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause. - [Attention/monitoring: monitoring other aircraft](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02021540): Personnel issues › Psychological · Pilot (probable cause), aircraft 1; cases with it: [Aviat PITTS S-2B, 2 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02021540/cases.md?model=2210308), [All aircraft, 231 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02021540/cases.md) - [Attention/monitoring: monitoring other aircraft](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02021540): Personnel issues › Psychological · Pilot of other aircraft (probable cause), aircraft 2; cases with it: [Cirrus Design SR22, 5 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02021540/cases.md?model=2130001), [All aircraft, 231 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02021540/cases.md) ## Sequence of events The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened. - [Taxi-to runway: Ground collision](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/200) (defining event), aircraft 1; cases with it: [Aviat PITTS S-2B, 2 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/200/sequence.md?model=2210308), [All aircraft, 618 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/200/sequence.md) - [Taxi-to runway: Ground collision](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/200) (defining event), aircraft 2; cases with it: [Cirrus Design SR22, 2 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/200/sequence.md?model=2130001), [All aircraft, 618 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/200/sequence.md) ## Analysis (aircraft 1) The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped Pitts airplane was taxiing to the runway for takeoff when he impacted a Cirrus airplane that was holding short of the runway. The Pitts pilot stated that he did not see the Cirrus prior to the collision, claiming that the narrow taxiway limited his ability to make "s" turns. A Federal Aviation Administration inspector reported that the propeller of the Pitts struck the right outboard section of wing spar of the Cirrus, resulting in substantial damage to the Cirrus. ## Analysis (aircraft 2) The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped Pitts airplane was taxiing to the runway for takeoff when he impacted a Cirrus airplane that was holding short of the runway. The Pitts pilot stated that he did not see the Cirrus prior to the collision, claiming that the narrow taxiway limited his ability to make “s” turns. A Federal Aviation Administration inspector reported that the propeller of the Pitts struck the right outboard section of wing spar of the Cirrus, resulting in substantial damage to the Cirrus. ## Factual narrative (aircraft 1) On October 29, 2010, about 1430 eastern daylight time, a Cirrus SR22, N876CP, was substantially damaged when it was struck by a taxiing Aviat Inc. Pitts S-2B, N8ZT, at Hilton Head Airport (HXD), Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. The certificated commercial pilot and two passengers of the Cirrus, and the certificated private pilot of the Pitts, were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. Neither the Cirrus pilot nor the Pitts pilot had filed flight plans for the personal flights, which were conducted under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. According to the pilot of the Pitts, he was taxiing south to runway 03 and "the ability to S turn during taxi is limited" due to the narrow taxiway. As he began turning his airplane to the right, toward the runway, the propeller impacted the right wing of the Cirrus. The pilot stated that he "did not see the Cirrus before the impact." Following the collision, the engine experienced a "sudden stop" and the pilot exited the airplane without incident. According to the pilot of the Cirrus, he was cleared to taxi to runway 03. While holding short of the runway, he conducted an engine run-up and the before takeoff checklist. As he was completing the checklist, he heard one passenger yell "he's going to hit us." The pilot turned to look over his right shoulder as the propeller of the Pitts struck the right wing of the Cirrus. After the airplanes were towed to the ramp area of the airport, they were examined by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector. Examination revealed that the propeller of the Pitts had struck the right outboard section of wing spar of the Cirrus, resulting in substantial damage to the Cirrus. According to the FAA, control continuity was confirmed throughout both airplanes and there were no brake anomalies. According to FAA records, the pilot of the Pitts held a private pilot certificate with a rating for single-engine land. He noted that his total flight experience was approximately 2,200 hours; of which, about 940 hours were in the same make and model as the accident airplane. His most recent FAA third-class medical certificate was issued in June, 2009. According to FAA records, the pilot of the Cirrus held a commercial pilot certificate with ratings for single-engine land, multiengine land, and instrument airplane. In addition, he held a flight instructor certificate for airplane single-engine, multiengine, and instrument airplane. He noted that his total flight experience was approximately 2,700 hours; of which, 1,465 were in the same make and model as the accident airplane. His most recent FAA first-class medical certificate was issued in August, 2010. FAA records indicated that the Pitts was manufactured in 1993, and its registration certificate was issued in 1994. The airplane was a two-place, single-engine, cantilever biplane that was equipped with tailwheel-type landing gear. According to the owner, theairplane had accumulated approximately 943 total hours and the last annual inspection was on July 1, 2010. FAA records indicated that the Cirrus was manufactured in 2008, and its registration certificate was issued in 2008. It was equipped with a 310 horsepower, Teledyne-Continental Motors IO-550 series engine. The airplane was a four-place, low-wing, single-engine, cantilever monoplane with fixed tricycle landing gear. According to the pilot, the airplane had accumulated approximately 510 total hours and the last annual inspection was on September 24, 2010. Weather conditions reported at HXD, at 1350, included winds from 350 degrees at 9 knots, gusting to 16 knots, 10 statute miles visibility, clear skies, temperature 21 degrees C, dewpoint 7 degrees C, and an altimeter setting of 30.13 inches of mercury. ## Factual narrative (aircraft 2) On October 29, 2010, about 1430 eastern daylight time, a Cirrus SR22, N876CP, was substantially damaged when it was struck by a taxiing Aviat Inc. Pitts S-2B, N8ZT, at Hilton Head Airport (HXD), Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. The certificated commercial pilot and two passengers of the Cirrus, and the certificated private pilot of the Pitts, were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. Neither the Cirrus pilot nor the Pitts pilot had filed flight plans for the personal flights, which were conducted under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. According to the pilot of the Pitts, he was taxiing south to runway 03 and "the ability to S turn during taxi is limited" due to the narrow taxiway. As he began turning his airplane to the right, toward the runway, the propeller impacted the right wing of the Cirrus. The pilot stated that he "did not see the Cirrus before the impact." Following the collision, the engine experienced a "sudden stop" and the pilot exited the airplane without incident. According to the pilot of the Cirrus, he was cleared to taxi to runway 03. While holding short of the runway, he conducted an engine run-up and the before takeoff checklist. As he was completing the checklist, he heard one passenger yell "he's going to hit us." The pilot turned to look over his right shoulder as the propeller of the Pitts struck the right wing of the Cirrus. After the airplanes were towed to the ramp area of the airport, they were examined by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector. Examination revealed that the propeller of the Pitts had struck the right outboard section of wing spar of the Cirrus, resulting in substantial damage to the Cirrus. According to the FAA, control continuity was confirmed throughout both airplanes and there were no brake anomalies. According to FAA records, the pilot of the Pitts held a private pilot certificate with a rating for single-engine land. He noted that his total flight experience was approximately 2,200 hours; of which, about 940 hours were in the same make and model as the accident airplane. His most recent FAA third-class medical certificate was issued in June, 2009. According to FAA records, the pilot of the Cirrus held a commercial pilot certificate with ratings for single-engine land, multiengine land, and instrument airplane. In addition, he held a flight instructor certificate for airplane single-engine, multiengine, and instrument airplane. He noted that his total flight experience was approximately 2,700 hours; of which, 1,465 were in the same make and model as the accident airplane. His most recent FAA first-class medical certificate was issued in August, 2010. FAA records indicated that the Pitts was manufactured in 1993, and its registration certificate was issued in 1994. The airplane was a two-place, single-engine, cantilever biplane that was equipped with tailwheel-type landing gear. According to the owner, theairplane had accumulated approximately 943 total hours and the last annual inspection was on July 1, 2010. FAA records indicated that the Cirrus was manufactured in 2008, and its registration certificate was issued in 2008. It was equipped with a 310 horsepower, Teledyne-Continental Motors IO-550 series engine. The airplane was a four-place, low-wing, single-engine, cantilever monoplane with fixed tricycle landing gear. According to the pilot, the airplane had accumulated approximately 510 total hours and the last annual inspection was on September 24, 2010. Weather conditions reported at HXD, at 1350, included winds from 350 degrees at 9 knots, gusting to 16 knots, 10 statute miles visibility, clear skies, temperature 21 degrees C, dewpoint 7 degrees C, and an altimeter setting of 30.13 inches of mercury. ## Aircraft 1 - Registration: [N8ZT](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N8ZT-2025-08-08), registration cancelled 2025-08-08, S/N 5293, built 1993 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: AVIAT INC PITTS S-2B - Registry model: [Aviat PITTS S-2B](https://openairdocs.org/model/aviat-pitts-s-2b) (registry code 2210308) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Amateur-built UNKNOWN ENG](https://openairdocs.org/engine/amateur-built-unknown-eng) (registry code 99999) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 5293 - Airframe hours: 943 - Engines: Lycoming AE IO-540 D4A 260 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Minor damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Operator: O G Co - Registered owner: O G Co - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Aerobatic; Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, July 1, 2010 - Departed: HXD, Hilton Head Island, SC - Destination: VRB, Vero Beach, FL - Airport: HXD, Hilton Head AIrport ## Aircraft 2 - Registration: [N876CP](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N876CP), registered now, S/N 3271, built 2008 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: CIRRUS DESIGN CORP SR22 - Registry model: [Cirrus Design SR22](https://openairdocs.org/model/cirrus-design-sr22) (registry code 2130001) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Continental IO-550-N](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-io-550-n) (registry code 17215, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 3271 - Airframe hours: 510 - Engines: CONT MOTOR IO-550-N 310 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Operator: Capital Holdings 200 LLC - Registered owner: Capital Holdings 200 LLC - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, September 24, 2010 - Departed: HXD, Hilton Head Island, SC - Destination: DAB, Daytona Beach, FL - Airport: HXD, Hilton Head AIrport ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot, aircraft N8ZT; age 66; injuries: none; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, with waivers/limitations; last flight review July 4, 2009; seat: rear; flight hours: 2,200 total, 940 in this make and model, 1,800 as pilot in command, 20 in the last 90 days, 8 in the last 30 days, 4 in the last 24 hours - Pilot, aircraft N876CP; age 26; injuries: none; flight instructor, commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, without waivers/limitations; last flight review January 10, 2009; seat: right; flight hours: 2,708 total, 1,465 in this make and model, 2,665 as pilot in command, 96 in the last 90 days, 28 in the last 30 days, 4 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 350° at 9 knots, gusting 16 - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 70 °F, dew point 45 °F - Altimeter: 30.12 inHg - Observed at: HXD ## FAA reports on this event (2) The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs). - [Accident 20101029051321A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20101029051321A), Oct 29, 2010: Aviat Inc PITTS S-2B, Hilton Head Isl, SC, Substantial damage. On October 29, 2010 at 14:15 hours local the pilot of N8ZT was given instruction by the air traffic control tower to taxi to runway 03. VMC conditions… - [Accident 20101029051501A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20101029051501A), Oct 29, 2010: Cirrus Desi SR22, Hilton Head Isl, SC, Substantial damage. On October 29, 2010 at 14:15 hours local the pilot of N8ZT was given instruction by the air traffic control tower to taxi to runway 03. VMC conditions… ## Other investigations on N8ZT (1) 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 ERA25LA107](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA25LA107), Jan 30, 2025: Aviat Pitts S-2B (N8ZT), Fellsmere, FL, investigation ongoing ## Docket (8 files) The files NTSB released with the investigation on May 26, 2011, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=77692. 1.5 MB in all. - Pitts S2-B Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 (item 1, .PDF, 452 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40341273&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pitts%20S2-B%20Pilot%2FOperator%20Aircraft%20Accident%20Report,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.1-Redacted.PDF - Cirrus SR-22 Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 (item 2, .PDF, 597 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40341274&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Cirrus%20SR-22%20Pilot%2FOperator%20Aircraft%20Accident%20Report,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.1-Redacted.PDF - Pitts S2-B Pilot Statement (item 3, .PDF, 16 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40341275&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pitts%20S2-B%20Pilot%20Statement-Redacted.PDF - Cirrus SR-22 Pilot and Passenger Statements (item 4, .PDF, 32 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40341276&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Cirrus%20SR-22%20Pilot%20and%20Passenger%20Statements-Redacted.PDF - Witness Statements (item 5, .PDF, 201 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40342666&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Witness%20Statements-Redacted.PDF - Federal Aviation Administration Inspector Memorandum for Record (item 6, .PDF, 23 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40341278&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Federal%20Aviation%20Administration%20Inspector%20Memorandum%20for%20Record-Master.PDF - Weather Reports: HXD METARs (item 7, .PDF, 31 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40341279&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Weather%20Reports%3A%20HXD%20METARs-Master.PDF - Photo #1: Damage to Cirrus SR-22 (Courtesy of FAA) (item 8, .PDF, 136 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40342667&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%20%231%3A%20Damage%20to%20Cirrus%20SR-22%20(Courtesy%20of%20FAA)-Master.PDF 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.