# NTSB LAX05CA200: Aviat Pitts S-1T, N647J, Fillmore, CA, June 12, 2005 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report - Date: June 11, 2005, 17:00 local (Jun 12, 2005, 00:00 UTC) - Place: Fillmore, CA - Coordinates: 34.383335, -118.983329 - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.3833&lon=-118.9833&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: Minor injuries - Injuries: 1 minor - Status: Completed, report September 13, 2005 - Report: Approved by Office Director - Parties: Van Nuys, CA FSDO - NTSB case key (mKey): 61716 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX05CA200 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/61716/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX05CA200 ## Probable cause the pilot's failure to affect timely recovery from an intentional inverted flat spin. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering - aerobatics - performed, pilot in command - stall/spin - intentional, pilot in command - remedial action - not successful, pilot in command (cause) - bail-out/emergency ejection - performed, pilot in command - In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled - terrain condition - ground ## Analysis The aerobatic experimental airplane impacted terrain when the pilot was unable to recover from an intentional inverted flat spin. According to the pilot's written statement, he intentionally entered the airplane into a left turning inverted flat spin after practicing other aerobatic maneuvers. The pilot tried several recommended recovery methods; however, the airplane did not exit from the spin. The pilot elected to bailout of the airplane. The pilot's parachute opened successfully and he landed approximately 50 feet from where the airplane impacted the ground. The pilot reported experiencing no mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane during the accident flight. ## Factual narrative On June 11, 2005, about 1700 Pacific daylight time, an Aviat Pitts S-1T experimental acrobatic airplane, N647J, impacted terrain near Fillmore, California, after the pilot was unable to recover from an intentional inverted flat spin. The owner was operating the airplane under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91. The airline transport pilot, the sole occupant, sustained minor injuries; however, the airplane was destroyed. The local personal flight departed Camarillo Airport (CMA), Camarillo, California, about 1635, and flew to the Santa Paula acrobatic practice area. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed. The approximate coordinates of the primary wreckage were 34 degrees 23 minutes north latitude and 118 degrees 59 minutes west longitude. The pilot submitted a written report in which he reported departing CMA and flying to the Santa Paula acrobatic practice area. After 20 minutes of practicing the International Aerobatics Club sportsman sequence, he climbed to 5,000 feet mean sea level (msl) to practice inverted flat spin entry and recovery. He raised the nose to a vertical position and then pulled the nose to about negative 20 degrees past vertical. He applied full left rudder and full forward elevator control. The airplane pitched above and below the horizon twice and then entered into a left turning inverted flat spin. After about one turn he reduced power to idle, and the nose lowered into a left turning inverted spin. The rotation of the spin rapidly increased and he applied full right rudder to stop the rotation. The airplane did approximately three fast rotations and did not respond to the pilot's control inputs. He then tried to recover by initiating the Gene Beggs method of recovery (power off, opposite rudder, let go of control stick). He had already done the first two steps of the recovery and so he only had to release the control stick. However, the airplane did not respond and the rotation appeared to increase. The pilot initiated a bailout about 1,000 feet above ground level (agl). His parachute canopy opened successfully and he landed after approximately 5 seconds. The airplane impacted the Santa Clara riverbed about 2 miles west of Fillmore, and about 50 feet from where the pilot landed. The pilot stated that the airplane and engine had no mechanical failures or malfunctions during the flight. The Flight Combat International Emergency Maneuver Training Program indicates that the following inverted spin recovery procedure is designed to achieve optimum anti-spin effect and is consistent with recommendations based on years of detailed spin research: power - idle, ailerons - neutral (if in doubt let go of aileron control), rudder - full opposite yaw direction, and elevator - aft through neutral. Hold these inputs until yaw rotation stops, then neutralize rudder, apply aft elevator to climb straight ahead, and add climb power. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N647J](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N647J-2008-02-14), registration cancelled 2008-02-14, S/N 1027, built 1985 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Aviat Pitts S-1T - Registry model: [Christen Industries PITTS S-1T](https://openairdocs.org/model/christen-industries-pitts-s-1t) (registry code 2210002) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Lycoming AEIO-360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-aeio-360-series) (registry code 41522, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 1027 - Engines: Lycoming AEIO-360 reciprocating - Damage: Destroyed - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Operator: James McNamara - Registered owner: James McNamara - Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special) - Departed: CMA, Camarillo, CA - Destination: CMA, Camarillo, CA - Airport: CMA, Camarillo ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 50; injuries: minor; flight instructor, airline transport; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1; flight hours: 8,700 total, 60 in this make and model, 80 in the last 90 days, 20 in the last 30 days ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 230° at 7 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 72 °F, dew point 57 °F - Altimeter: 29.77 inHg - Observed at: CMA, 10 nm away ## 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 20050611011449A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20050611011449A), Jun 11, 2005: Amtr PITTSS1T, Santa Paula, CA, Destroyed. (-23) Pilot entered an inverted spin and could not recover. Pilot parachuted from aircraft. Aircraft destroyed. Minor injury to pilot when he landed in river… 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.