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NTSB Report
October 16, 1988 · Pitts S-1S · N66RJ
Ridgeway, VA
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 16, 1988
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Ridgeway, VA
Aircraft
Pitts S-1S
Tail Number
N66RJ
Operator
Carroll Messer
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
BFO89LA002
THE PILOT LANDED TO THE SOUTH ON THE PRIVATE AIRSTRIP. IN AN ATTEMPT TO MAKE A LEFT 180 DEG TURN TO BACK TAXI ON THE RUNWAY AND AVOID ACFT PARKED ALONG THE LEFT SIDE OF THE RUNWAY, THE PILOT STEERED HIS AIRPLANE TO THE RIGHT. WHILE TURNING TO THE RIGHT, THE AIRPLANE TRAVELED INTO A DITCH AND NOSED OVER. THE RUNWAY NARROWS AT THE POINT WHERE THE AIRPLANE TRAVELED INTO THE DITCH.
Full Narrative
THE PILOT LANDED TO THE SOUTH ON THE PRIVATE AIRSTRIP. IN AN ATTEMPT TO MAKE A LEFT 180 DEG TURN TO BACK TAXI ON THE RUNWAY AND AVOID ACFT PARKED ALONG THE LEFT SIDE OF THE RUNWAY, THE PILOT STEERED HIS AIRPLANE TO THE RIGHT. WHILE TURNING TO THE RIGHT, THE AIRPLANE TRAVELED INTO A DITCH AND NOSED OVER. THE RUNWAY NARROWS AT THE POINT WHERE THE AIRPLANE TRAVELED INTO THE DITCH.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:20 EDT
Nearest AirportPace Airport (0nm N)
Runway18
Runway Length3000 ft
Runway Width200 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPitts S-1S
Tail NumberN66RJ
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorCarroll Messer
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360-A4A · Reciprocating · 100
Seats1
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 57 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind180° @ 5 kt
Visibility20 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO