# NTSB NYC97LA087: Pitts S1C, N12073, Salem, OH, May 7, 1997 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: May 7, 1997, 11:30 local (15:30 UTC) - Place: Salem, OH - Coordinates: 40.899845, -80.850692 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=40.8998&lon=-80.8507&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: Minor injuries - Injuries: 1 minor - Status: Completed, report September 4, 1998 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 39354 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC97LA087 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/39354/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC97LA087 ## Probable cause the pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during the initial takeoff climb. Factors relating to the accident were the pilot's lack of experience in the make and model of airplane, and the gusty crosswind conditions. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Loss of control - in flight, takeoff - initial climb - weather condition - crosswind (contributing factor) - weather condition - gusts (contributing factor) - aircraft control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause) - lack of total experience in type of aircraft, pilot in command (contributing factor) - In flight collision with terrain/water, takeoff ## Analysis During the takeoff roll, the airplane veered left, and the pilot counteracted with right rudder. The airplane's left wing then dropped, and the pilot rotated at 70 knots to avoid a wing strike. As the airplane became airborne, it rolled inverted to the left. The pilot applied full forward elevator; however, the airplane settled and impacted the ground. The pilot had 1 hour in make and model, and he reported that the crosswind conditions and his lack of experience in make and model contributed to the accident. About 25 miles west at Akron, OH, the 1251 EDT wind was from 010 degrees at 11 gusting 26 knots. ## Factual narrative On May 7, 1997, about 1130 eastern daylight time, a Pitts S1C, N12073, was substantially damaged when it collided with the ground during the initial takeoff climb at the Salem Airpark, Salem, Ohio. The certificated airline transport pilot received minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight destined for the Lebanon Municipal Airport, Lebanon, Tennessee. No flight plan was filed for the flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. In a statement submitted by the pilot, he reported that he conducted a takeoff from runway 28R since it was the longer runway. Prior to takeoff, he performed an engine run-up and checked all flight controls. During the takeoff roll, the airplane veered left. The pilot's attempts to straighten the airplane with right rudder were unsuccessful, and he rotated at 70 knots to avoid a left wing strike. As the airplane became airborne, it rolled to the left to an inverted position. The pilot then applied full forward elevator; However, the airplane settled and impacted the ground. The pilot had a total flight experience of 4,926 hours, of which 1 hour was in make and model. A nearby airport reported the winds from 010 degrees at 11 knots, with peak gusts of 27 knots. The pilot did not report any mechanical malfunctions with the airplane, and reported that the combination of the crosswind and inexperience in make and model contributed to the accident. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N12073](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N12073-2022-08-08), registration cancelled 2022-08-08, S/N D.E.C, built 1969 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Pitts S1C - Registry model: [Cornelius-Pitts Special S1C](https://openairdocs.org/model/cornelius-pitts-special-s1c) (registry code 72202B6) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane, amateur-built - Serial number: DEC - Airframe hours: 306 - Engines: Lycoming O-320-A2A 150 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Registered owner: Karl J. Richcreek - Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special) - Last inspection: Annual, May 7, 1997, 0 hours before - Departed: 38D - Destination: M54, LEBANON, TN - Airport: 38D, Salem Airpark, runway 28R, 3,482 × 50 ft, asphalt ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 33; airline transport; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: front; flight hours: 4,926 total, 1 in this make and model, 1,450 as pilot in command ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 10° at 11 knots, gusting 26 - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 54 °F, dew point 30 °F - Altimeter: 30.00 inHg - Observed at: CAK, 25 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 19970507008409A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19970507008409A), May 7, 1997: Amtr S1E, Salem, OH, Substantial damage. Swerved overcorrected on takeoff roll. Dragged wing. Lifted. Came down, broke off gear. Cartwheeled. Flipped over. (-23) wind was 330 degrees @ 12 KTS.… 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. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.