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NTSB Report
November 3, 1990 · Pitts Special S1-S Special S1 · N983BW
Dekalb, IL
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
November 3, 1990
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 fatality)
Location
Dekalb, IL
Aircraft
Pitts Special S1-S Special S1
Tail Number
N983BW
Operator
Morgan Mark William
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
CHI91DEE01
A PRIVATE PILOT REFUELED HIS HOMEBUILT AIRCRAFT AND TALKED WITH ACQUAINTENCES AND SERVICE PERSONNEL BEFORE TAKEOFF. WITNESSES ON THE FLIGHT LINE DESCRIBE A NORMAL TAKEOFF TO LESS THAN 100 FEET ABOVE THE RUNWAY, WHERE THE AIRPLANE PUSHED OVER AND ACCELERATED IN LEVEL FLIGHT. ABEAM THE TERMINAL AND FLIGHT LINE, THE AIRPLANE ROLLED RIGHT TO THE INVERTED POSITION AND PAUSED BEFORE CONTINUING ITS RIGHT ROLL. THE AIRPLANE STRUCK GROUND WITH THE RIGHT WINGTIP SHORT OF A COMPLETE REVOLUTION.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE PILOT'S ATTEMPT TO PERFORM AEROBATIC MANEUVERS AT LOW ALTITUDE.
Full Narrative
A PRIVATE PILOT REFUELED HIS HOMEBUILT AIRCRAFT AND TALKED WITH ACQUAINTENCES AND SERVICE PERSONNEL BEFORE TAKEOFF. WITNESSES ON THE FLIGHT LINE DESCRIBE A NORMAL TAKEOFF TO LESS THAN 100 FEET ABOVE THE RUNWAY, WHERE THE AIRPLANE PUSHED OVER AND ACCELERATED IN LEVEL FLIGHT. ABEAM THE TERMINAL AND FLIGHT LINE, THE AIRPLANE ROLLED RIGHT TO THE INVERTED POSITION AND PAUSED BEFORE CONTINUING ITS RIGHT ROLL. THE AIRPLANE STRUCK GROUND WITH THE RIGHT WINGTIP SHORT OF A COMPLETE REVOLUTION.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:53 CST
Nearest AirportDekalb Taylor Muni (0nm N)
Runway27
Runway Length4200 ft
Runway Width50 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireGrd
Aircraft ExplosionGrd
Aircraft
AircraftPitts Special S1-S Special S1
Tail NumberN983BW
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
OperatorMorgan Mark William
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-360-A4A · Reciprocating · 200
Seats1
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 fatality)
Fatal1
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 32 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind250° @ 10 kt
Visibility8 sm
CeilingOvercast 25000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point68 F / 52
Altimeter0
Observation Time18:45
Weather SourceWFAC