# NTSB FTW89LA048: Pitts S2B, N11SE, Walker, LA, February 11, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: February 11, 1989, 15:30 local (21:30 UTC)
- Place: Walker, LA
- Location: 30.4832° N, 90.8671° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Walker, LA, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=30.4832&lon=-90.8671&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious, 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report September 28, 1990
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 22833
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW89LA048
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/22833/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW89LA048

## Probable cause

LOSS OF TOTAL ENGINE POWER DUE TO FUEL EXHAUSTION. FUEL EXHAUSTION OCCURRED DUE TO THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO PERFORM FUEL CONSUMPTION CALCULATIONS. CONTRIBUTING WAS THE INADEQUATE FUEL QUANITY SIGHT GAUGE IN THE REAR COCKPIT, WHICH WAS OCCUPIED BY THE PIC.

## 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
  - fuel system,fuel quantity float/sensor - inadequate (contributing factor)
  - fuel consumption calculations - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - fluid,fuel - exhaustion (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with object, descent - emergency
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - emergency

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N11SE](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N11SE-2026-07-24), registration cancelled 2026-07-24, S/N 5099, built 1986 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PITTS S2B
- Registry model: [Christen Industries PITTS S-2B](https://openairdocs.org/model/christen-industries-pitts-s-2b) (registry code 2210006) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming AEIO-540 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-aeio-540-series) (registry code 41568, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 5099
- Airframe hours: 86
- Engines: LYCOMING AEIO-540-D4A5 260 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Woods, William S.
- Registered owner: Entreckin, Paul E.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Aerobatic
- Last inspection: Annual, February 11, 1989, 2 hours before
- Departed: PENSACOLA, FL
- Destination: LFT, LAFAYETTE, LA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 64; airline transport; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: rear; flight hours: 30,805 total, 250 in this make and model, 20,000 as pilot in command, 20 in the last 90 days, 5 in the last 30 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 320° at 7 knots
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 64 °F, dew point 39 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg

## 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 19890211002509A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19890211002509A), Feb 11, 1989: Child S2BPITTS, Walker, LA, Destroyed. Ran out of fuel en route. Impacted trees and terrain on the forced landing. Had just purchased aircraft.

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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