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NTSB Report
June 3, 1989 · Bloodworth Pitts Special S-1C Pitts SPEC · N1769
Townsville, NC
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 3, 1989
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 fatality)
Location
Townsville, NC
Aircraft
Bloodworth Pitts Special S-1C Pitts SPEC
Tail Number
N1769
Operator
Ernest S Gann
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
ATL89DMG05
THE PILOT WAS PERFORMING AEROBATICS FOR A GROUP OF FRIENDS THAT WERE HAVING A COOK-OUT. ACCORDING TO WITNESSES, HE PERFORMED OVERHEAD FOR 10 TO 15 MINUTES; DOING LOOPS, ROLLS & STALLS, AND FLEW CLOSE TO BOATS ON A LAKE. JUST BEFORE CRASHING IN A WOODED AREA, THE AIRCRAFT ENTERED A SPIN FROM WHICH IT DID NOT RECOVER. AFTER IMPACT, A FIRE ERUPTED & THE AIRCRAFT WAS DESTROYED.
NTSB Probable Cause
INADEQUATE ALTITUDE FOR THE PILOT TO RECOVER FROM A SPIN. A CONTRIBUTING FACTOR WAS HIS OSTENTATIOUS DISPLAY.
Full Narrative
THE PILOT WAS PERFORMING AEROBATICS FOR A GROUP OF FRIENDS THAT WERE HAVING A COOK-OUT. ACCORDING TO WITNESSES, HE PERFORMED OVERHEAD FOR 10 TO 15 MINUTES; DOING LOOPS, ROLLS & STALLS, AND FLEW CLOSE TO BOATS ON A LAKE. JUST BEFORE CRASHING IN A WOODED AREA, THE AIRCRAFT ENTERED A SPIN FROM WHICH IT DID NOT RECOVER. AFTER IMPACT, A FIRE ERUPTED & THE AIRCRAFT WAS DESTROYED.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:56 EDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireGrd
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftBloodworth Pitts Special S-1C Pitts SPEC
Tail NumberN1769
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
OperatorErnest S Gann
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320 · Reciprocating · 160
Seats1
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 fatality)
Fatal1
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 53 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind220° @ 8 kt
Visibility7 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point68 F
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time21:50
Weather SourceWFAC