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NTSB Report
May 12, 1993 · Pitts S1 · N17FS
Madison, MN
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 12, 1993
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 fatality)
Location
Madison, MN
Aircraft
Pitts S1
Tail Number
N17FS
Operator
Keltgen John J
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
CHI93DER01
WITNESSES REPORTED THE PILOT PERFORMED HIGH ALTITUDE AEROBATICS FOR ABOUT 20 TO 30 MINUTES. THEN HE ENTERED A SPIN AND DESCENDED INTO TERRAIN. WITNESSES STATED HE APPEARED TO HAVE CONTROL OF THE AIRPLANE DURING THE DESCENT, BUT PULLED OUT WHEN HE WAS TOO CLOSE TO THE GROUND.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE TERRAIN CLEARANCE DURING AEROBATIC MANEUVERS.
Full Narrative
WITNESSES REPORTED THE PILOT PERFORMED HIGH ALTITUDE AEROBATICS FOR ABOUT 20 TO 30 MINUTES. THEN HE ENTERED A SPIN AND DESCENDED INTO TERRAIN. WITNESSES STATED HE APPEARED TO HAVE CONTROL OF THE AIRPLANE DURING THE DESCENT, BUT PULLED OUT WHEN HE WAS TOO CLOSE TO THE GROUND.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time19:15 CDT
Nearest AirportMADISON (0nm)
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPitts S1
Tail NumberN17FS
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
OperatorKeltgen John J
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsReciprocating
Seats1
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 fatality)
Fatal1
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 76 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind20° @ 8 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point45 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time23:45
Weather SourceWFAC