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NTSB Report
August 16, 1987 · Maxfield Pitts S-1S · N900K
Meade, KS
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 16, 1987
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Meade, KS
Aircraft
Maxfield Pitts S-1S
Tail Number
N900K
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
MKC87LA162
SHORTLY AFTER TAKEOFF, WHILE DEPG TO THE SE, THE ENG SEIZED. ALL OF THE SURROUNDING TERRAIN CONSISTED OF PLOWED FIELDS, SO THE PLT TRIED TO GLIDE BACK TO THE ARPT; HOWEVER, HE HAD INSUFFICIENT SPEED & ALT TO GET ALIGNED WITH THE RWY. DRG THE LNDG, THE ACFT TOUCHED DOWN ON THE SHOULDER OF THE RWY & WAS DAMAGED. AN EXAM OF THE ENG REVEALED THE #3 ROD CAP & BOLTS HAD FAILED. THERE WAS EVIDENCE THE ROD-TO-CRANKSHAFT BEARING HAD BEEN ROTATING IN THE ROD & HAD INITIATED THE FAILURE. THE ENG HAD 21 HRS OF FLT TIME SINCE IT HAD BEEN OVERHAULED.
Full Narrative
SHORTLY AFTER TAKEOFF, WHILE DEPG TO THE SE, THE ENG SEIZED. ALL OF THE SURROUNDING TERRAIN CONSISTED OF PLOWED FIELDS, SO THE PLT TRIED TO GLIDE BACK TO THE ARPT; HOWEVER, HE HAD INSUFFICIENT SPEED & ALT TO GET ALIGNED WITH THE RWY. DRG THE LNDG, THE ACFT TOUCHED DOWN ON THE SHOULDER OF THE RWY & WAS DAMAGED. AN EXAM OF THE ENG REVEALED THE #3 ROD CAP & BOLTS HAD FAILED. THERE WAS EVIDENCE THE ROD-TO-CRANKSHAFT BEARING HAD BEEN ROTATING IN THE ROD & HAD INITIATED THE FAILURE. THE ENG HAD 21 HRS OF FLT TIME SINCE IT HAD BEEN OVERHAULED.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:20 MDT
Nearest AirportMeade Muni (0nm N)
Runway35
Runway Length3400 ft
Runway Width50 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftMaxfield Pitts S-1S
Tail NumberN900K
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-360-A1A · Reciprocating · 200
Seats1
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 37 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind170° @ 10 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO