Aerotek Pitts Special S-1S
Crawford, CO — August 13, 2008
Event Information
| Date | August 13, 2008 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | DEN08CA142 |
| Event ID | 20080915X01462 |
| Location | Crawford, CO |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 38.70389, -107.64361 |
| Airport | CRAWFORD |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | Aerotek |
| Model | Pitts Special S-1S |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 1 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
the pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff. Contributing to the accident were wind gusts and rough terrain.
Full Narrative
During the takeoff roll after the tailwheel lifted off the runway, the airplane encountered a "strong left crosswind." The pilot attempted to correct with right rudder; however, the airplane departed the runway surface. Subsequently, the airplane contacted rough/uneven terrain, flipped over and came to rest inverted. The pilot and witnesses reported the winds at the time of calm with intermittent gusts. Examination of the airplane showed that the vertical stabilizer and rudder were bent.
About This NTSB Record
This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.