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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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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NTSB Report

December 19, 2001 · Pitts S-1S · N522H

Sanford, FL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
December 19, 2001
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Sanford, FL
Aircraft
Pitts S-1S
Tail Number
N522H
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ATL02LA018

The pilot executed a downwind approach and touched down on runway 9 center. During landing roll at 10 miles per hour, a tailwind picked up the tail of the airplane. The airplane's propeller struck the ground, and the airplane nosed over and came to rest inverted on the runway. Examination of the airplane revealed the propeller and spinner were damaged, the top wing spar support members were bent, one outboard wing spar was broken, the top rudder bow was bent with wrinkling of the fuselage at the base of the fin, the leading edge of the top wing showed cracks on both sides of the fuel tank, and the engine mounts were displaced.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane during landing roll in a tailwind, which resulted in a nose-over on the runway.

Full Narrative

On December 19, 2001, about 1230 eastern standard time, a Pitts S-1S, N522H, registered to a private owner, nosed over during landing roll at Orlando Sanford Airport in Sanford, Florida. The personal flight was conducted under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91 with no flight plan filed. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The airplane sustained substantial damage, and the airline transport pilot was not injured. The local flight departed Orlando Sanford Airport about 1150. The pilot executed a downwind approach and touched down on runway 9 center. The pilot stated, during landing roll at 10 miles per hour, a tailwind picked up the tail of the airplane. The airplane's propeller struck the ground, and the airplane nosed over and came to rest inverted on the runway. A review of weather observation data for the airport indicated at 1253, winds were reported from 260 degrees magnetic at 10 knots. Initial examination of the airplane revealed the propeller and spinner were damaged, the top wing spar support members were bent, one outboard wing spar was broken, the top rudder bow was bent with wrinkling of the fuselage at the base of the fin, the leading edge of the top wing showed cracks on both sides of the fuel tank, and the engine mounts were displaced.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:30 EST
Nearest AirportOrlando Sanford Airport (0nm N)
Runway9C
Runway Length3578 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPitts S-1S
Tail NumberN522H
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · AEIO-360 H1B · Reciprocating · 180
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 57 · First Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind260° @ 10 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point46
Altimeter29.98 inHg
Observation Time17:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data