Pitts S1
Reno, NV — September 11, 2019
Event Information
| Date | September 11, 2019 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | GAA19CA596 |
| Event ID | 20191127X60120 |
| Location | Reno, NV |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 39.66806, -119.87639 |
| Airport | Reno/Stead |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | Pitts |
| Model | S1 |
| 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 landing, which resulted in a runway excursion and a ground loop.
Full Narrative
The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped biplane reported that, during landing, the airplane encountered a right crosswind, veered to the right off the runway, and ground looped to the right.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the lower left wing and rudder.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
The airport's automated weather observation station reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was from 150° at 4 knots. The pilot added that he believed he encountered a dust devil. The pilot was landing the airplane on runway 08.
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.