# NTSB FTW98LA414: Pitts S-2B, N52TW, Sherman, TX, August 31, 1998 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: August 31, 1998, 18:00 local (23:00 UTC) - Place: Sherman, TX - Coordinates: 33.609802, -96.599899 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.6098&lon=-96.5999&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 1 uninjured - Status: Completed, report February 15, 2001 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 44034 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW98LA414 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/44034/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW98LA414 ## Probable cause The failure of the pilot in command to maintain directional control of the airplane during the landing flare. A factor was the gusty, crosswind condition. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Loss of control - in flight, landing - flare/touchdown - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause) - weather condition - crosswind (contributing factor) - weather condition - gusts (contributing factor) - In flight collision with terrain/water, landing - flare/touchdown ## Analysis The pilot of the tail wheel equipped airplane lost directional control while landing on runway 17L due to a crosswind condition. The private pilot stated that just prior to the wheels contacting the runway a gust of wind 'from 090 degrees' pushed the airplane to the right of the runway centerline. The airplane contacted the runway to the right of the runway centerline and the pilot began to use left rudder and braking to maintain directional control of the airplane. Subsequently, the tail of the airplane began to swing around to the right and the right main landing gear collapsed. The airplane slid approximately 15 feet and came to rest upright on the runway. The pilot estimates that at the time of the accident the winds were from 090 degrees at 10 to 12 knots and gusting to 15 knots. ## Factual narrative On August 31, 1998, at 1800 central daylight time, a Pitts S-2B tail wheel equipped airplane, N52TW, was substantially damaged following a loss of control while landing at the Grayson County Airport, near, Sherman, Texas. The private pilot, owner and operator of the airplane, and sole occupant, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the Title 14 CFR Part 91 local personal flight that originated from the Grayson County Airport at 1700. A flight plan was not filed. The pilot stated in the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2) that he entered the downwind leg for landing on runway 17L and noticed that the windsock indicated an "80 to 90 degree crosswind." Just prior to the wheels of the airplane contacting the runway "a gust of wind from 090 degrees" pushed the bi-plane to the right of the runway centerline. The airplane contacted the runway to the right of the runway centerline. The pilot tried to maintain directional control by "applying left rudder and brakes." Subsequently, the tail of the airplane started to swing out to the right and the right main gear collapsed. The airplane slid approximately 15 feet before stopping upright on the runway. The pilot estimated that at the time of the accident, the wind was from 090 degrees at 10 to 12 knots, gusting to 15 knots. The pilot had accumulated a total of 122 hours in the make and model. The airplane had accumulated a total of 112 hours since new. An FAA inspector examined the airplane after the accident and stated that the right main gear collapsed and the lower right wing was structurally damaged. The pilot added that the right wing sustained spar and rib damage. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N52TW](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N52TW-2008-03-19), registration cancelled 2008-03-19, S/N 5323 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Pitts S-2B - Registry model: [Aviat PITTS S-2B](https://openairdocs.org/model/aviat-pitts-s-2b) (registry code 2210308) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 5323 - Airframe hours: 112 - Engines: Lycoming AEIO540-D4A5 260 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Registered owner: Keith Leedom - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Aerobatic - Last inspection: Annual, October 21, 1997, 60 hours before - Departed: F39 - Airport: F39, Grayson County Airport, runway 17L, 9,000 × 150 ft, asphalt ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 32; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: rear; flight hours: 239 total, 122 in this make and model, 159 as pilot in command, 42 in the last 90 days, 18 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 90° at 10 knots, gusting 15 - Visibility: 20 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 90 °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 19980831047039A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19980831047039A), Aug 31, 1998: Aviat PITTSS2B, Sherman-Denison, TX, No damage. (-23) Pilot was on a practice flight at F39 gca. On approach to runway, pilot encountered a 90 degree 12-15 knot cross-wind. Pilot slightly bounced 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. --- 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.