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NTSB Report
May 29, 1988 · Aerotek Pitts S2S · N5333N
El Paso, TX
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 29, 1988
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 fatality)
Location
El Paso, TX
Aircraft
Aerotek Pitts S2S
Tail Number
N5333N
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
FTW88DQA01
THE PLT WAS ON AN AEROBATIC DEMONSTRATION FLT. AS HE WAS COMPLETING AN OVER-THE-TOP MANEUVER, THE ACFT HIT THE GROUND AT HIGH SPEED, THEN TUMBLED INTO A LAKE BEFORE COMING TO REST. WITNESSES RPRTD THAT THE PLT HAD BEEN CONSISTENTLY TERMINATING HIS MANEUVERS AT A VERY LOW ALTITUDE THROUGHOUT THE DEMONSTRATION.
NTSB Probable Cause
PILOT'S FAILURE TO COMPLETE THE AEROBATIC MANEUVER IN A MANNER WHICH INSURED ADEQUATE TERRAIN CLEARANCE AT THE TERMINATION.
Full Narrative
THE PLT WAS ON AN AEROBATIC DEMONSTRATION FLT. AS HE WAS COMPLETING AN OVER-THE-TOP MANEUVER, THE ACFT HIT THE GROUND AT HIGH SPEED, THEN TUMBLED INTO A LAKE BEFORE COMING TO REST. WITNESSES RPRTD THAT THE PLT HAD BEEN CONSISTENTLY TERMINATING HIS MANEUVERS AT A VERY LOW ALTITUDE THROUGHOUT THE DEMONSTRATION.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:45 MDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftAerotek Pitts S2S
Tail NumberN5333N
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-540-K · Reciprocating · 300
Seats1
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 fatality)
Fatal1
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 29 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind250° @ 9 kt
Visibility50 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point37 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time16:53
Weather SourceWFAC