# NTSB FTW82DA193: Pitts Special S-1S, N166S, Huntsville, TX, May 26, 1982

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Final report
- Date: May 26, 1982, 13:00 local (18:00 UTC)
- Place: Huntsville, TX
- Coordinates: 30.710201, -95.53971 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=30.7102&lon=-95.5397&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report May 26, 1983
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 71127
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW82DA193
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/71127/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW82DA193

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - mech failure/malf, cruise - normal
  - engine assembly,bearing - failure,total (cause)
  - fuselage,crew compartment - smoke
- Forced landing, landing - flare/touchdown
- In flight encounter with weather, landing - flare/touchdown
  - object - vehicle (contributing factor)
  - maneuver - performed, pilot in command
  - terrain condition - high vegetation (contributing factor)
- Nose over, landing - flare/touchdown

## Analysis

THE PILOT REPORTED THAT DURING FLIGHT AT 1500 FT AGL, THERE WAS A VIOLENT EXPLOSIVE FAILURE OF THE ENGINE AND BLACK SMOKE ENTERED THE COCKPIT. HE ELECTED TO LAND BETWEEN CARS ON AN INTERSTATE HIGHWAY. HE CLEARED OVER ONE CAR, BUT THE DRIVER OF THE NEXT CAR ABOUT 300 FT AHEAD PUT ON HIS BRAKES. THE PILOT MANEUVERED TO THE MEDIAN, BUT RIGHT GEAR STRUCK A BUSH. SUBSEQUENTLY, THE PLANE FLIPPED AND CAME TO REST IN AN INVERTED POSITION. THE DRIVER OF A PASSING CAR AND A FRIEND TURNED THE AIRCRAFT RIGHT SIDE UP AND HELPED THE PILOT OUT OF THE PLANE. THE PILOT STATED THAT A BEARING FAILURE CAUSED THE LOSS OF POWER.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N166S](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N166S-2012-08-10), registration cancelled 2012-08-10, S/N S-2, built 1977 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PITTS SPECIAL S-1S
- Registry model: [Shepherd PITTS SPECIAL S-1S](https://openairdocs.org/model/shepherd-pitts-special-s-1s) (registry code 7220636) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming O&VO-360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-o-vo-360-series) (registry code 41514, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 7-0124
- Airframe hours: 142
- Engines: LYCOMING O-360 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Daniel W. Bravenec
- Registered owner: Daniel W. Bravenec
- Departed: HUNTSVILLE, TX
- Destination: CONROE, TX

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 33; private; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 2,551 total, 70 in this make and model, 2,380 as pilot in command, 100 in the last 90 days, 4 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 180° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Temperature: 185 °F

## 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 19820526019189A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19820526019189A), May 26, 1982: Amtrpt PITTSSPECIAL, Huntsville, TX, Destroyed. Engine quit and aircraft was damaged during emergency landing on highway.

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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