# NTSB LAX95LA293: Pitts S-2B, N540RJ, Phoenix, AZ, August 12, 1995

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 12, 1995, 09:30 local (16:30 UTC)
- Place: Phoenix, AZ
- Location: 33.4484° N, 112.0740° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Phoenix, AZ, within about 13 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.4484&lon=-112.0740&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report December 4, 1995
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 29186
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX95LA293
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/29186/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX95LA293

## Probable cause

The inadequate supervision by the instructor pilot by allowing the trainee to initiate a late go-around from a simulated forced landing.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with terrain/water, go-around (vfr)
  - emergency procedure - simulated, pilot in command(cfi)
  - terrain condition - high vegetation
  - in-flight planning/decision - improper, pilot in command(cfi) (cause)
  - go-around - delayed, dual student (cause)

## Analysis

THE INSTRUCTOR PILOT SIMULATED AN ENGINE OUT FORCED LANDING TO A CLOSED AIRSTRIP.  AT 200 FEET ABOVE THE GROUND, THE PILOT RECEIVING THE INSTRUCTION INITIATED POWER TO GO-AROUND.  THE ENGINE MOMENTARILY HESITATED AND THEN REGAINED FULL POWER, AT THIS TIME THE AIRCRAFT TOUCHED DOWN AND THE LEFT WING COLLIDED WITH A BUSH. THE PILOTS REPORTED NO MECHANICAL PROBLEMS.

## Factual narrative

On August 12, 1995, at 0930 hours mountain standard time, the two pilots of a Pitts S-2B, N540RJ, collided with some brushes during a go-around after a simulated forced landing to a closed dirt airstrip near Phoenix, Arizona.  Visual meteorological conditions existed at the time for the local instructional flight.  The aircraft sustained substantial damage and the two pilots received no injuries.  The flight originated from the airport at Scottsdale, Arizona, at 0900.

The instructor pilot stated in a telephone interview that after simulating the forced landing and gliding to 200 feet above ground level, the pilot in the rear seat flying the aircraft initiated a go-around by applying power.  The engine seemed to hesitate momentarily and then responded with full power.  At this time, the aircraft touched down, followed by the left wing colliding with some bushes.  The pilot reported no other mechanical problems.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N540RJ (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: PITTS S-2B
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 5173
- Airframe hours: 858
- Engines: LYCOMING AEIO-540-D4A5 260 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Registered owner: Acroholics Unlimited, Inc
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Aerobatic
- Last inspection: Annual, May 2, 1995, 13 hours before
- Departed: SDL, SCOTTSDALE, AZ

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 52; flight instructor, airline transport; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: front; flight hours: 8,351 total, 300 in this make and model, 8,172 as pilot in command, 55 in the last 90 days, 22 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 50 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 84 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 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 19950812023489A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19950812023489A), Aug 12, 1995: Child S2BPITTS, Phoenix, AZ, Substantial damage. Collided with bushes on go around. Practice forced landing on dirt strip. Engine hesitated then powered up late.

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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