# NTSB MKC88FA012: Merchant Pitts S-1S, N76EM, Vinton, IA, October 31, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: October 31, 1987, 09:50 local (15:50 UTC)
- Place: Vinton, IA
- Coordinates: 42.160961, -92.019638 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=42.1610&lon=-92.0196&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious
- Status: Completed, report June 7, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 34469
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MKC88FA012
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/34469/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC88FA012

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, cruise - normal
  - fluid,fuel - contamination (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- Nose over, landing - roll
  - terrain condition - rough/uneven (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PLT WAS RPRTD TO BE ON A MAINT FERRY FLT TO ANOTHER STATE. HE RPRTD THAT BEFORE THE FLT, HE TOPPED OFF THE FUEL TANK & THAT THE PREFLT, TAKEOFF & DEPARTURE WERE NORMAL. DUE TO LOW CLOUDS, HE LEVELED OFF AT APRX 2000' AGL. SHORTLY THEREAFTER, THE ENG RPM BEGAN TO GRADUALLY DECREASE UNTIL THE ENG STOPPED RUNNING. AN EMERG LANDING WAS MADE IN AN OPEN FIELD, BUT THE ACFT NOSED OVER & WAS DMGD. DURING AN EXAM OF THE ACFT FUEL SYS, DIRTY RESIDUE WAS FOUND IN THE FUEL FILTER BOWL & DEBRIS WAS FOUND IN THE FUEL FILTER ELEMENT & FUEL INJECTOR CONTROL VALVE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N76EM](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N76EM-2006-04-24), registration cancelled 2006-04-24, S/N 1976, built 1976 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: MERCHANT PITTS S-1S
- Registry model: [Merchant PITTS S-1S](https://openairdocs.org/model/merchant-pitts-s-1s) (registry code 7220624) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming I0360 SER A&C](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-i0360-ser-a-c) (registry code 41511, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: 1976
- Airframe hours: 440
- Engines: LYCOMING IO-360-B4A 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Ferry, Part 91
- Registered owner: Jerry Merchant
- Last inspection: AAIP, June 20, 1987, 9 hours before
- Departed: VTI
- Airport: VTI

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 61; commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: center; toxicology performed; flight hours: 2,600 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 160° at 10 knots, gusting 14
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 48 °F, dew point 36 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: CID, 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 19871031065409A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19871031065409A), Oct 31, 1987: Child S1SPITTS, Vinton, IA, Substantial damage. Engine quit on climbout. Aircraft nosed over in field. Fuel tanks empty. Aircraft sat idle with little maintenance.

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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