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NTSB Report
October 15, 1984 · Pitts Special S-1C · N54JB
Punta Gorda, FL
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 15, 1984
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury)
Location
Punta Gorda, FL
Aircraft
Pitts Special S-1C
Tail Number
N54JB
Operator
James W Bryan
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
MIA85FA009
THE ACFT WAS BEING TESTED FOR HI-SPEED TAXI STABILITY. DURING THE 3RD TAXI RUN THE ACFT BECAME AIRBORNE AND A DECISION TO CONTINUE FLT AROUND THE TRAFFIC PATTERN WAS MADE. THE PLT NOTICED THE OIL TEMP AT 220 DEGREES & INCREASING. THE DECISION TO LAND ON RWY 21 WAS ABANDONED IN FAVOR OF 15 TO SHORTEN THE TRAFFIC PATTERN. THE PLT ADVANCED THE THROTTLE ONTHE IDLING ENG BUT THERE WAS NO RESPONSE. THE ACFT DESCENDED AND COLLIDED WITH A 25 FT TREE. THE ACFT CRASHED TO THE GROUND 1000 FT FROM THE APCH END OF RWY 15. THE INJURED PLT AND HIS WRECKED ACFT WERE SEARCHED FOR WHEN HE DID NOT RETURN. THE SEARCH PARTY LOCATED THE ACFT & PLT AT APRX 1515 EDT, ABOUT 3 HRS AFTER INITIAL TAKEOFF. NO EVIDENCE OF ANY FAILURE OR MALFUNCTION WAS FOUND IN THE ACFT ENG OR CONTROLS.
Full Narrative
THE ACFT WAS BEING TESTED FOR HI-SPEED TAXI STABILITY. DURING THE 3RD TAXI RUN THE ACFT BECAME AIRBORNE AND A DECISION TO CONTINUE FLT AROUND THE TRAFFIC PATTERN WAS MADE. THE PLT NOTICED THE OIL TEMP AT 220 DEGREES & INCREASING. THE DECISION TO LAND ON RWY 21 WAS ABANDONED IN FAVOR OF 15 TO SHORTEN THE TRAFFIC PATTERN. THE PLT ADVANCED THE THROTTLE ONTHE IDLING ENG BUT THERE WAS NO RESPONSE. THE ACFT DESCENDED AND COLLIDED WITH A 25 FT TREE. THE ACFT CRASHED TO THE GROUND 1000 FT FROM THE APCH END OF RWY 15. THE INJURED PLT AND HIS WRECKED ACFT WERE SEARCHED FOR WHEN HE DID NOT RETURN. THE SEARCH PARTY LOCATED THE ACFT & PLT AT APRX 1515 EDT, ABOUT 3 HRS AFTER INITIAL TAKEOFF. NO EVIDENCE OF ANY FAILURE OR MALFUNCTION WAS FOUND IN THE ACFT ENG OR CONTROLS.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:00 EDT
Nearest AirportCharlotte County (1nm NNE)
Runway15
Runway Length5000 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPitts Special S-1C
Tail NumberN54JB
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
OperatorJames W Bryan
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-E2D · Reciprocating · 150
Seats1
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 54 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind140° @ 5 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point68 F
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time12:00