# NTSB MIA94LA154: Pitts S2B, N61PS, Keystone Height, FL, May 26, 1994

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 26, 1994, 13:30 local (17:30 UTC)
- Place: Keystone Height, FL
- Coordinates: 29.780294, -82.03067 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=29.7803&lon=-82.0307&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report February 14, 1995
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 37556
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA94LA154
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/37556/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA94LA154

## Probable cause

THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND'S EXCEEDING OF THE DESIGN LIMITATIONS OF THE AIRPLANE.

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, maneuvering
  - fuselage,longeron - failure,total
  - design stress limits of aircraft - exceeded, pilot in command (cause)
  - fuselage,longeron - fatigue

## Analysis

WHILE DOING ACROBATIC FLIGHT THE PILOT HEARD A NOISE AND LANDED. EXAMINATION OF THE AIRPLANE REVEALED 2 FAILED LONGERONS. THE PILOT STATED HE HAD HEARD A SIMILAR NOISE ABOUT 3 WEEKS EARLIER.

## Factual narrative

On May 26, 1994, about 1330 eastern daylight time, N61PS, Pitts S2B, registered to the pilot David J. Swartz experienced a structural failure in flight near Keystone Heights, Florida, while on a 14 CFR Part 91 acrobatic flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed for the local flight. The airplane was substantially damaged and the pilot reported no injuries. The flight had originated from Keystone Heights Airport about 45 minutes earlier.

The pilot stated that while performing acrobatic maneuvers he heard a loud noise. After landing, the airplane was inspected and a structural longeron was found broken in two places. The pilot stated he had heard a similar noise about 3 weeks earlier.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N61PS](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N61PS), registered now, S/N 5230, built 1991 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PITTS S2B
- Registry model: [Aviat PITTS S-2B](https://openairdocs.org/model/aviat-pitts-s-2b) (registry code 2210308) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming AEIO-540 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-aeio-540-series) (registry code 41568, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 5230
- Airframe hours: 720
- Engines: LYCOMING AEIO-540 260 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Swartz, David J.
- Registered owner: Swartz, David J.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Aerobatic
- Last inspection: Annual, December 7, 1993, 140 hours before

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 46; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: rear; flight hours: 859 total, 354 in this make and model, 721 as pilot in command, 36 in the last 90 days, 12 in the last 30 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 260° at 11 knots, gusting 19
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 90 °F, dew point 57 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: GNV, 24 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 19940526017709A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19940526017709A), May 26, 1994: Child S2BPITTS, Ft Lauderdale, FL, Substantial damage. Heard pop during aerobatics. Lost aileron control. Improperly welded aileron support bracket broke at the weld.

## Other investigations on N61PS (2)

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 MIA04CA055](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA04CA055), Mar 3, 2004: Aviat Pitts S2B (N61PS), Parkland, FL, substantial damage. Probable cause: The pilot's inadequate preflight planning which resulted in an off-airport precautionary landing to preclude fuel exhaustion, which resulted in damage to the airplane during the landing.
- [NTSB MIA94LA171](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA94LA171), Jul 4, 1994: Pitts S2B (N61PS), Fort Lauderdale, FL, substantial damage. Probable cause: THE POOR WELDING QUALITY OF THE MANUFACTURER, RESULTING IN THE FATIGUE FAILURE OF THE AILERON ATTACHMENT BRACKET.

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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