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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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August 22, 1993 · Wells Pitts S-2-S Pitts S-2 · N10T

Bloomington, IL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 22, 1993
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 fatality)
Location
Bloomington, IL
Aircraft
Wells Pitts S-2-S Pitts S-2
Tail Number
N10T
Operator
Wells Charles S
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
CHI93LA347

WHILE PERFORMING AEROBATIC MANEUVERS DURING AN AIR SHOW, THE PILOT CONTINUED AEROBATIC MANEUVERS TO AN ALTITUDE TOO LOW TO RECOVER.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot in command continued the aerobatic maneuver too long to effect a safe level off.

Full Narrative

On August 22, 1993, about 1230 CDT, an experimental homebuilt Wells Pitts S-2-S airplane, N10T, registered and piloted by commercially certificated, Charles S. Wells of Springfield, Illinois, was performing aerobatic maneuvers during an air show at Bloomington-Normal Airport, Bloomington, Illinois. While attempting a recovery from a maneuver the aircraft descended into the terrain. The aircraft was destroyed and the pilot sustained fatal injuries. This flight was operating under a waiver to 14 CFR 91. No flight plan was filed and visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the occurrence. The flight originated from Bloomington, Illinois. Witnesses reported that N10T exited a lomcevak into an inverted flat spin "...too low for possibility of recovery." The aircraft impacted the terrain nose down at approximately 45 degrees. Toxicological testing found no carbon monoxide, cyanide, volatiles or drugs. An autopsy revealed no pre-existing abnormalities which would have inhibited the pilot's normal flying ability. The autopsy was performed at McLean County Coroner's Office, Bloomington, Illinois. Post-accident investigation of the aircraft found no evidence of pre-impact mechanical malfunction.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:30 CDT
Nearest AirportBloomington-Normal Airpt (0nm)
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftWells Pitts S-2-S Pitts S-2
Tail NumberN10T
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
OperatorWells Charles S
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · AEIO-540-D4A5 · Reciprocating · 260
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 fatality)
Fatal1
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 69 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind340° @ 6 kt
Visibility5 sm
CeilingOvercast 10000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point66 F
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time17:45

Appendix: Source Data