# NTSB LAX82FUM09: Pitts S1-S, N6HA, Fallbrook, CA, July 4, 1982

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Final report
- Date: July 3, 1982, 17:50 local (Jul 4, 1982, 00:50 UTC)
- Place: Fallbrook, CA
- Coordinates: 33.38969, -117.210937 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.3897&lon=-117.2109&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed, report July 3, 1983
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 70665
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX82FUM09
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/70665/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX82FUM09

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, takeoff - initial climb
  - reason for occurrence undetermined (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, takeoff - initial climb

## Analysis

WITNESS STATEMENTS VARIED WIDELY IN THE DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCIDENT. ONE WITNESS STATED THE ACFT APPEARED TO DO A FAST & TIGHT BARRELL ROLL AFTER REACHING APPROXIMATELY 50-70 FT AGL. ANOTHER WITNESS OBSERVED THE ACFT TAKE OFF AT AN UNUSUALLY HIGH ANGLE, THEN SEEMED TO GO VERY ERRATIC. ANOTHER WITNESS STATED THE ACFT MADE A NORMAL TAKEOFF TO APPROXIMATELY 200 FT AGL, THEN PITCHED DOWN ABRUPTLY TO THE RIGHT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N6HA](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N6HA-2013-06-05), registration cancelled 2013-06-05, S/N ACA4A, built 1981 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PITTS S1-S
- Registry model: [Aberle Harry L PITTS SPECIAL S1-S](https://openairdocs.org/model/aberle-harry-l-pitts-special-s1-s) (registry code 72206AA) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: ACA4A
- Airframe hours: 126
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Fallbrook Air Service
- Registered owner: Harry L. Aberle
- Departed: L18, FALLBROOK, CA
- Destination: L18, FALLBROOK, CA
- Airport: L18, Fallbrook Community, runway 18, 2,165 × 100 ft, macadam

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 45; commercial, flight instructor; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; flight hours: 15,883 total, 113 in this make and model, 161 in the last 90 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 230° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Temperature: 158 °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 19820703027509A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19820703027509A), Jul 3, 1982: Amtrpt PITTSSPECS1C, Fallbrook, CA, Substantial damage. Lost control during a snap roll on initial takeoff climb. Impacted in a strawberry field off end of runway.

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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