# NTSB ERA12LA100: Sigmon Harvey E Vans RV 6, N62HS, Abingdon, VA, November 6, 2011 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: November 6, 2011, 15:00 local (20:00 UTC) - Place: Abingdon, VA - Coordinates: 36.687221, -82.033332 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=36.6872&lon=-82.0333&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining events: [Landing: Collision during takeoff/land](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/490); [Landing: Collision during takeoff/land](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/490) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 2 uninjured - Status: Completed, report July 18, 2012 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB office: Eastern Region Aviation - Parties: FAA/FSDO - NTSB case key (mKey): 82463 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ERA12LA100 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/82463/pdf - NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=82463 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA12LA100 ## Probable cause (aircraft 2) The failure of the Pitts pilot to see and avoid the RV-6 that had landed ahead. Contributing to the accident was the Pitts pilot's inability to hear the RV-6 pilot's radio calls due to the lack of a radio in the Pitts. ## Probable cause (aircraft 1) The failure of the Pitts pilot to see and avoid the RV-6 that had landed ahead. Contributing to the accident was the Pitts pilot's inability to hear the RV-6 pilot's radio calls due to the lack of a radio in the Pitts. ## 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 of other aircraft (probable cause), aircraft 1; cases with it: [Sigmon Harvey E VANS RV 6, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02021540/cases.md?model=05608BR), [All aircraft, 231 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02021540/cases.md) - [Communication system: vHF/HF radio](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03016010): Environmental issues › Operating environment · Not specified (probable cause), aircraft 1; cases with it: [Sigmon Harvey E VANS RV 6, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03016010/cases.md?model=05608BR), [All aircraft, 6 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03016010/cases.md) - [Attention/monitoring: monitoring other aircraft](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02021540): Personnel issues › Psychological · Pilot (probable cause), aircraft 2; cases with it: [Aviat S-2C, 2 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02021540/cases.md?model=8130001), [All aircraft, 231 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02021540/cases.md) - [Communication system: vHF/HF radio](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03016010): Environmental issues › Operating environment · Not specified (probable cause), aircraft 2; cases with it: [Aviat S-2C, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03016010/cases.md?model=8130001), [All aircraft, 6 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03016010/cases.md) ## Sequence of events The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened. - [Landing: Collision during takeoff/land](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/490) (defining event), aircraft 1; cases with it: [Sigmon Harvey E VANS RV 6, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/490/sequence.md?model=05608BR), [All aircraft, 1,309 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/490/sequence.md) - [Landing: Runway excursion](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/300), aircraft 1; cases with it: [Sigmon Harvey E VANS RV 6, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/300/sequence.md?model=05608BR), [All aircraft, 3,643 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/300/sequence.md) - [Landing: Collision during takeoff/land](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/490) (defining event), aircraft 2; cases with it: [Aviat S-2C, 2 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/490/sequence.md?model=8130001), [All aircraft, 1,309 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/490/sequence.md) ## Analysis (aircraft 2) The RV-6 was equipped with a radio and the Pitts S-2C was not. Both airplanes were in the airport traffic pattern after completing a local flight, and the pilots were flying a visual approach to runway 24. The pilot of the RV-6 flew a tighter traffic pattern and made radio calls. The pilot of the Pitts flew a wider traffic pattern and did not see the RV-6 ahead and below. As the airplanes landed nearly simultaneously on runway 24, the propeller of the Pitts contacted and partially separated the empennage of the RV-6. The recorded weather at the airport about the time of the accident included clear skies, visibility of 10 miles, and wind from 260 degrees at 4 knots. ## Analysis (aircraft 1) The RV-6 was equipped with a radio and the Pitts S-2C was not. Both airplanes were in the airport traffic pattern after completing a local flight, and the pilots were flying a visual approach to runway 24. The pilot of the RV-6 flew a tighter traffic pattern and made radio calls. The pilot of the Pitts flew a wider traffic pattern and did not see the RV-6 ahead and below. As the airplanes landed nearly simultaneously on runway 24, the propeller of the Pitts contacted and partially separated the empennage of the RV-6. The recorded weather at the airport, about the time of the accident, included clear skies, visibility of 10 miles, and wind from 260 degrees at 4 knots. ## Factual narrative (aircraft 2) On November 6, 2011, about 1500 eastern standard time, an experimental amateur-built RV-6, N62HS, and an Aviat S-2C (Pitts) collided while landing at Virginia Highlands Airport (VJI), Abingdon, Virginia. The RV-6 was substantially damaged and the Pitts sustained minor damage. The certificated private pilot onboard the RV-6 and the certificated airline transport pilot onboard the Pitts were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plans were filed for the local flights. The personal flights were conducted under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector interviewed both pilots. They reported that the RV-6 was equipped with a radio and the Pitts was not. Both airplanes were in the airport traffic pattern after completing a local flight, and the pilots were flying a visual approach to runway 24. The pilot of the RV-6 flew a "tighter" traffic pattern and made radio calls. The pilot of the Pitts flew a wider traffic pattern and did not see the RV-6 ahead and below. As the airplanes landed nearly simultaneously on runway 24, the propeller of the Pitts contacted and partially separated the empennage of the RV-6. The FAA inspector added that the pilots did not report the accident and he learned about it during routine surveillance of the airport. The accident was reported to the NTSB on December 5, 2011. According to their written reports, the pilot of the RV-6 stated that during landing rollout, the Pitts landed in to the rear of his airplane. The pilot of the Pitts stated that during landing rollout, as his airplane decelerated normally to 10 to 15 mph, he felt a bump, heard the propeller hit something, and shut the engine down. The recorded weather at VJI, at 1455, included clear skies, visibility 10 miles, and wind from 260 degrees at 4 knots. ## Factual narrative (aircraft 1) On November 6, 2011, about 1500 eastern standard time, an experimental amateur-built RV-6, N62HS, and an Aviat S-2C (Pitts) collided while landing at Virginia Highlands Airport (VJI), Abingdon, Virginia. The RV-6 was substantially damaged and the Pitts sustained minor damage. The certificated private pilot onboard the RV-6 and the certificated airline transport pilot onboard the Pitts were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plans were filed for the local flights. The personal flights were conducted under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector interviewed both pilots. They reported that the RV-6 was equipped with a radio and the Pitts was not. Both airplanes were in the airport traffic pattern after completing a local flight, and the pilots were flying a visual approach to runway 24. The pilot of the RV-6 flew a "tighter" traffic pattern and made radio calls. The pilot of the Pitts flew a wider traffic pattern and did not see the RV-6 ahead and below. As the airplanes landed nearly simultaneously on runway 24, the propeller of the Pitts contacted and partially separated the empennage of the RV-6. The FAA inspector added that the pilots did not report the accident and he learned about it during routine surveillance of the airport. The accident was reported to the NTSB on December 5, 2011. According to their written reports, the pilot of the RV-6 stated that during landing rollout, the Pitts landed in to the rear of his airplane. The pilot of the Pitts stated that during landing rollout, as his airplane decelerated normally to 10 to 15 mph, he felt a bump, heard the propeller hit something, and shut the engine down. The recorded weather at VJI, at 1455, included clear skies, visibility 10 miles, and wind from 260 degrees at 4 knots. ## Aircraft 1 - Registration: [N62HS](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N62HS), registered now, S/N 20198 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: SIGMON HARVEY E VANS RV 6 - Registry model: [Sigmon Harvey E VANS RV 6](https://openairdocs.org/model/sigmon-harvey-e-vans-rv-6) (registry code 05608BR) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Lycoming IO-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-io-320-series) (registry code 41509, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane, amateur-built - Serial number: 20198 - Airframe hours: 1080 - Engines: LYCOMING IO-320 150 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Operator: Seats Frank R - Registered owner: Seats Frank R - Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special) - Last inspection: Condition, June 1, 2011, 42 hours before - Departed: VJI, Abingdon, VA - Destination: VJI, Abingdon, VA - Airport: VJI, Virginia Highlands, runway 24, 4,471 × 75 ft, asphalt ## Aircraft 2 - Registration: [N177CD](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N177CD), registered now, S/N 6069 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: AVIAT AIRCRAFT INC S-2C - Registry model: [Aviat S-2C](https://openairdocs.org/model/aviat-s-2c) (registry code 8130001) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 6069 - Airframe hours: 400 - Engines: Lycoming AEIO-540 260 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Minor damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Operator: White John R - Registered owner: White John R - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal; Standard, Aerobatic; Standard, Utility - Last inspection: Annual, March 20, 2011, 100 hours before - Departed: VJI, Abingdon, VA - Destination: VJI, Abingdon, VA - Airport: VJI, Virginia Highlands, runway 24, 4,471 × 75 ft, asphalt ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot, aircraft N62HS; age 70; injuries: none; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, with waivers/limitations; last flight review February 14, 2011; seat: left; flight hours: 2,460 total, 120 in this make and model, 24 in the last 90 days, 4 in the last 30 days, 0 in the last 24 hours - Pilot, aircraft N177CD; age 59; injuries: none; flight instructor, commercial, airline transport; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, with waivers/limitations; last flight review March 5, 2011; seat: rear; flight hours: 29,000 total, 350 in this make and model, 24,000 as pilot in command, 140 in the last 90 days, 50 in the last 30 days, 3 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 260° at 4 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 63 °F, dew point 34 °F - Altimeter: 30.32 inHg - Observed at: VJI ## 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 20111106028772A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20111106028772A), Nov 6, 2011: Sigmon Harvey E VANS RV 6, Abingdon, VA, Substantial damage. On November 6, 2011 the following aircraft were involved in a collision this accident was not reported to the national transportation safety board NTSB as… - [Accident 20111106028632A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20111106028632A), Nov 6, 2011: Aviat Aircraft Inc S-2C, Abingdon, VA, Minor damage. On November 6, 2011 the following aircraft were involved in a collision this accident was not reported to the national transportation safety board NTSB as… ## Docket (4 files) The files NTSB released with the investigation on June 5, 2012, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=82463. 2.1 MB in all. - Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 (RV-6) (item 1, .PDF, 1.1 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40363686&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%2FOperator%20Aircraft%20Accident%20Report,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.1%20(RV-6)-Redacted.PDF - Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 (Pitts) (item 2, .PDF, 883 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40363688&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%2FOperator%20Aircraft%20Accident%20Report,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.1%20(Pitts)-Redacted.PDF - Interview Summary (item 3, .PDF, 51 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40363689&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Interview%20Summary-Master.PDF - Weather Report (item 4, .PDF, 18 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40363690&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Weather%20Report-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.