# NTSB SEA03LA182: Pitts S-2A, N5301W, Hillsboro, OR, September 1, 2003 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: September 1, 2003, 11:15 local (18:15 UTC) - Place: Hillsboro, OR - Coordinates: 45.416667, -122.933334 - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=45.4167&lon=-122.9333&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: Minor injuries - Injuries: 1 minor - Status: Completed, report December 30, 2003 - Report: Approved by Office Director - Parties: FAA- FSDO - NTSB case key (mKey): 57848 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA03LA182 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/57848/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA03LA182 ## Probable cause The pilot's failure to maintain the proper distance and altitude while on final approach which led to touching down short of the runway. The pilot's restricted visual lookout was a factor. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Undershoot, approach - vfr pattern - final approach - proper touchdown point - not attained, pilot in command (cause) - visual lookout - restricted, pilot in command (contributing factor) - In flight collision with terrain/water, approach - vfr pattern - final approach - terrain condition - drop-off/descending embankment - Gear collapsed, landing ## Analysis The pilot reported that due to the aircraft's configuration, she was unable to see the runway while on short final and in the flare. The pilot intended to land as close to the numbers as possible. The aircraft touched down short of the runway on the grassy embankment that descends below the runway elevation. The aircraft bounced onto the runway, the landing gear collapsed and the aircraft slid on its belly to a stop. A post-crash fire consumed the aircraft. ## Factual narrative On September 1, 2003, about 1115 Pacific daylight time, a Pitts S-2A, N5301W, registered to and operated by the pilot as a 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight, touched down short of the runway at Stark's Twin Oaks Airpark, Hillsboro, Oregon, bounced once, collapsed the landing gear and slid to a stop on the runway surface. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The aircraft was subsequently destroyed by a post-crash fire. The private pilot, the sole occupant, received minor injuries. The flight departed from Independence, Oregon, about 45 minutes prior to the accident. In a written statement, the pilot reported that a standard pattern was flown for an approach and landing on runway 02. While on final approach, the pilot noted that the runway "looked very up sloped toward the north (far) end and it seemed short," therefore she intended to land as close to the numbers as possible. The pilot reported that due to the aircraft's configuration, she was unable to see the runway while on short final and in the flare. The approach and landing was reported as normal until the aircraft touched down short of the runway edge on the grassy embankment that descends below the runway elevation. The aircraft bounced onto the runway surface, the main landing gear collapsed and the aircraft slid to a stop on its belly. The aircraft was on fire when the pilot exited the aircraft which was subsequently consumed. After the accident, two main landing gear impressions were noted in the grassy embankment. The aircraft came to rest about 125 feet from the runway edge and partially off to the right side of the runway. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N5301W](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N5301W-2004-12-23), registration cancelled 2004-12-23, S/N 2264, built 1982 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Pitts S-2A - Registry model: [Pitts S-2A](https://openairdocs.org/model/pitts-s-2a) (registry code 7220401) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Lycoming AEIO-360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-aeio-360-series) (registry code 41522, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 2264 - Airframe hours: 976 - Engines: Lycoming AEIO-360-A1E 200 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Destroyed - Fire: On-Ground - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Registered owner: Joan G. Hill - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, June 2, 2003, 22 hours before - Departed: 7S5, Independence, OR - Destination: 7S3, Hillsboro, OR - Airport: 7S3, Stark's Twin Oaks Airpark, runway 02, 2,465 × 48 ft, asphalt ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 59; injuries: minor; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; last flight review August 1, 2003; seat: rear; flight hours: 1,034 total, 297 in this make and model, 978 as pilot in command, 39 in the last 90 days, 5 in the last 30 days ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: calm - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 66 °F, dew point 46 °F - Altimeter: 30.07 inHg - Observed at: HIO, 6 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 20030901021459A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20030901021459A), Sep 1, 2003: Ayres S2A, Hillsboro, OR, Destroyed. (-23) The PIC stated that she attempted to land the airplane and "as close as possible to the numbers". When she flared to land the airplane impacted the… 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.