# NTSB LAX83FVM07: Pitts S1S, N15HR, San Jose, CA, January 16, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Final report
- Date: January 16, 1983, 12:24 local (20:24 UTC)
- Place: San Jose, CA
- Coordinates: 37.330734, -121.829887 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=37.3307&lon=-121.8299&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 23575
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX83FVM07
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/23575/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX83FVM07

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - on ground/water, landing - flare/touchdown
  - landing gear,tailwheel assembly - improper (cause)
  - procedures/directives - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - ground loop/swerve - uncontrolled, pilot in command (cause)
- Nose over, landing - roll
  - terrain condition - soft (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PILOT MADE A ROLLING TAKEOFF AND APPARENTLY LOCKED THE TAILWHEEL WHILE TURNING. DURING LATER LANDING THE AIRCRAFT BECAME UNCONTROLLABLE AND GROUND-LOOPED OFF THE RUNWAY INTO MUD WHERE IT FLIPPED OVER. THE TAILWHEEL WAS LOCKED OUT OF DETENT AND WAS UNABLE TO TRACK IN A STRAIGHT LINE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N15HR](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N15HR-2003-11-04), registration cancelled 2003-11-04, S/N 4, built 1977 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PITTS S1S
- Registry model: [Ross PITTS SPECIAL S-1S](https://openairdocs.org/model/ross-pitts-special-s-1s) (registry code 7220653) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming O&VO-360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-o-vo-360-series) (registry code 41514, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: 004
- Airframe hours: 670
- Engines: LYCOMING O-360-A4A 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Brigitte De Saint Phalle
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, January 3, 1983, 2 hours before
- Departed: 003, SAN ANDREAS, CA
- Airport: RHV, Reid-Hillview, runway 31L, 3,099 × 75 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 38; flight instructor, commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: center; flight hours: 1,669 total, 613 in this make and model, 14,100 as pilot in command, 56 in the last 90 days, 25 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Instrument (IMC), Day
- Wind: 270° at 4 knots
- Visibility: 2 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 3,500 ft broken
- Temperature: 10 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: RHV

## 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 19830116000899A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19830116000899A), Jan 16, 1983: Amtrpt PITTSSPECS1, San Jose, CA, Substantial damage. Pilot lost directional control during landing and aircraft flipped inverted.

## Other investigations on N15HR (1)

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.

- [NTSB LAX96LA336](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX96LA336), Sep 13, 1996: Pitts S-1S (N15HR), Reno, NV, substantial damage. Probable cause: The pilot of N230MP inadequate visual lookout while landing on a runway occupied by another known aircraft. A factor in the accident was the procedure to allow simultaneous landings by aircraft on…

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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