# NTSB SEA90LA044: Ransome Pitts Special S-1C, N3T, Troutdale, OR, February 24, 1990

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: February 24, 1990, 15:37 local (23:37 UTC)
- Place: Troutdale, OR
- Coordinates: 45.51921, -122.3498 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=45.5192&lon=-122.3498&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious
- Status: Completed, report December 15, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 41169
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA90LA044
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/41169/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA90LA044

## Probable cause

INADEQUATE MAINTENANCE WHICH RESULTED IN A LOSS OF ENGINE POWER DURING THE INITIAL CLIMB SHORTLY AFTER TAKEOFF.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(partial) - mech failure/malf, takeoff - initial climb
  - maintenance,inspection - inadequate, other maintenance personnel (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with object, descent - emergency
  - object - tree(s)

## Analysis

DURING THE INITIAL CLIMB AFTER DEPARTURE FROM THE AIRPORT, THE ENGINE BEGAN TO SPUTTER AND LOSE POWER. THE PILOT ATTEMPTED TO RETURN TO THE RUNWAY, HOWEVER, DUE TO INSUFFICIENT ALTITUDE, THE AIRPLANE COLLIDED WITH A TREE AND SUBSEQUENTLY THE TERRAIN. DURING THE ENGINE INSPECTION, SEVERAL PRE-EXISTING MAINTENANCE PROBLEMS WERE IDENTIFIED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3T](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N3T-2012-02-08), registration cancelled 2012-02-08, S/N JDR-1, built 1966 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: RANSOME PITTS SPECIAL S-1C (PITTS SPEC)
- Registry model: [Ramsome PITTS SPECIAL S-1C](https://openairdocs.org/model/ramsome-pitts-special-s-1c) (registry code 7221128) (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: JDR-1
- Airframe hours: 840
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-B3B 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Paul Fogel
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, June 9, 1989
- Departed: TTD
- Destination: 59S, VANCOUVER, WA
- Airport: TTD, Troutdale, runway 25, 5,400 × 150 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 56; flight instructor, commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: center; flight hours: 639 total, 2 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 270° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 40 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 63 °F, dew point 45 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: TTD

## 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 19900224002599A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19900224002599A), Feb 24, 1990: Amtrpt PITTSSPECS1C, Portland, OR, Destroyed. Engine lost power on climbout. Hit tree trying to return.

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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