# NTSB MIA91LA182: Aerotek PITTS-S2A, N31427, Eustis, FL, July 6, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 6, 1991, 16:43 local (20:43 UTC)
- Place: Eustis, FL
- Location: 28.8572° N, 81.6768° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Eustis, FL, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=28.8572&lon=-81.6768&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report July 14, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 32899
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA91LA182
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/32899/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA91LA182

## Probable cause

THE LOSS OF ELEVATOR CONTROL IN FLIGHT DUE TO A SCREWDRIVER JAMMING THE ELEVATOR CONTROL FOR UNKNOWN CAUSES.

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, maneuvering
  - flt control syst,elevator control - jammed (contributing factor)
  - elevator - unavailable, unknown
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

WHILE PERFORMING AEROBATICS THE PILOT NOTED HE HAD LOST ELEVATOR CONTROL. HE WAS ABLE TO RAISE THE NOSE SLIGHTLY DURING THE DESCENT AND EXECUTED A PARTIALLY CONTROLLED FORCED LANDING TO A FIELD.  EXAMINATION OF THE AIRPLANE AFTER THE ACCIDENT REVEALED THAT A SCREWDRIVER WAS JAMMED IN THE ELEVATOR BELLCRANK.  THE CIRCUMSTANCES THAT CAUSED THE SCREWDRIVER TO BE IN THE AIRPLANE OR THE OWNER OF THE SCREWDRIVER WERE NOT DETERMINED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N31427 (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: AEROTEK PITTS-S2A
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 2159
- Engines: LYCOMING AEIO-360A1A 200 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Michael K. Goodman
- Registered owner: Michael K. Goodman
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Aerobatic; Standard, Normal

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 30; military, commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane, helicopter; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 3,359 total, 88 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 200° at 6 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 91 °F, dew point 68 °F
- Observed at: MCO, 13 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 19910706026219A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910706026219A), Jul 6, 1991: Child S2APITTS, Eustis, FL, Substantial damage. No elevator control after hammerhead stall. Landed nose down using trim tab. Screw driver jammed elevator bellcrank

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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