# NTSB MKC90LA102: Lightcap PITTS-S-1D, N64585, Larned, KS, May 7, 1990

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 6, 1990, 19:45 local (May 7, 1990, 00:45 UTC)
- Place: Larned, KS
- Coordinates: 38.179252, -99.100311 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=38.1793&lon=-99.1003&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report November 9, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 34975
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MKC90LA102
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/34975/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC90LA102

## Probable cause

FAILURE OF THE MAIN LANDING GEAR ATTACHMENT STRUT, DUE TO FATIGUE.

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, landing - roll
  - landing gear,main gear attachment - fatigue (cause)
- Loss of control - on ground/water, landing - roll
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, landing - roll

## Analysis

THE COMMERCIAL PLT SAID THAT WHILE ROLLING OUT, DURING TAKEOFF AND LDGS PRACTICE, HE HEARD A POPPING NOISE. THE RIGHT WING BEGAN TO DROP, SO A GO-AROUND WAS EXECUTED. AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO LAND, THINKING THE CROSS WIND WAS CAUSING THE PROBLEM, HE LANDED. AFTER ABOUT 150 FEET INTO THE ROLLOUT, THE AIRCRAFT GROUND LOOPED TO THE RIGHT. POST ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION REVEALED THE WELD ON THE RIGHT LANDING GEAR STRUT HAD FAILED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N64585](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N64585), registered now, S/N 7-0311, built 1977 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: LIGHTCAP PITTS-S-1D
- Registry model: [Lightcap PITTS S-1D](https://openairdocs.org/model/lightcap-pitts-s-1d) (registry code 7221207) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming HO-360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-ho-360-series) (registry code 41513, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: 7-0311
- Engines: LYCOMING HO-360-B1B 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Taylor, Harry T.
- Departed: LQR
- Airport: LQR, Larned, runway 22, 3,100 × 175 ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 71; commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; flight hours: 1,423 total, 32 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 170° at 13 knots
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 70 °F, dew point 45 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: DDC, 60 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 19900506014799A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19900506014799A), May 6, 1990: Amtrpt PITTSSPECS1D, Larned, KS, Substantial damage. Weld on right main gear shock strut broke on landing causing gear to collapse. Aircraft ground looped, nosed over.

## Other investigations on N64585 (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 MKC78FCQ19](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC78FCQ19), Apr 23, 1978: Pitts S1D (N64585), Offerle, KS, substantial damage

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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