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NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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March 2, 1985 · Sevdy Pitts Special 104 · N913S

Yuma, AZ

Overview

Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 2, 1985
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Yuma, AZ
Aircraft
Sevdy Pitts Special 104
Tail Number
N913S
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX85LA162

WHILE PRACTICING AEROBATICS FOR AN AIRSHOW, THE PLT ENTERED A SPIN. DURING THE SPIN MANEUVER, THE ENG SPUTTERED, LOST POWER & THE PROP STOPPED TURNING. THE ACFT WAS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AN ELECTRIC STARTER, SO THE PLT TRIED TO WINDMILL THE PROP BY DIVING, BUT WAS UNABLE. THE ACFT WAS NEAR AN 1800 FT AG STRIP, SO THE PLT ELECTED TO MAKE A FORCED LANDING THERE. HOWEVER, ON FINAL APCH, THE LANDING GEAR STRUCK A DIRT EMBANKMENT OF AN IRRIGATION DITCH, JUST SHORT OF THE AIRSTRIP. THE ACFT THEN NOSED OVER & CAME TO REST IN THE DITCH. DURING AN EXAM, A LACK OF COMPRESSION WAS FOUND IN THE #1 & #3 CYLINDERS; HOWEVER, NO PREIMPACT PART FAILURE OR MALFUNCTION WAS VERIFIED.

Full Narrative

WHILE PRACTICING AEROBATICS FOR AN AIRSHOW, THE PLT ENTERED A SPIN. DURING THE SPIN MANEUVER, THE ENG SPUTTERED, LOST POWER & THE PROP STOPPED TURNING. THE ACFT WAS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AN ELECTRIC STARTER, SO THE PLT TRIED TO WINDMILL THE PROP BY DIVING, BUT WAS UNABLE. THE ACFT WAS NEAR AN 1800 FT AG STRIP, SO THE PLT ELECTED TO MAKE A FORCED LANDING THERE. HOWEVER, ON FINAL APCH, THE LANDING GEAR STRUCK A DIRT EMBANKMENT OF AN IRRIGATION DITCH, JUST SHORT OF THE AIRSTRIP. THE ACFT THEN NOSED OVER & CAME TO REST IN THE DITCH. DURING AN EXAM, A LACK OF COMPRESSION WAS FOUND IN THE #1 & #3 CYLINDERS; HOWEVER, NO PREIMPACT PART FAILURE OR MALFUNCTION WAS VERIFIED.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:20 MST
Nearest AirportAGSTRIP (0nm N)
Runway0
Runway Length1800 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftSevdy Pitts Special 104
Tail NumberN913S
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360-C2C · Reciprocating · 180
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 32 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind270° @ 10 kt
Visibility7 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point68 F / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO

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Appendix: Source Data