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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

September 27, 2003 · Wells Pitts S1S · N465JW

Duncannon, PA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 27, 2003
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Duncannon, PA
Aircraft
Wells Pitts S1S
Tail Number
N465JW
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
NYC03CA209

The pilot initially flew over the airport to check the wind and field conditions. The approach to runway 7 was uneventful; however, the airplane encountered a wind gust prior to touchdown. The airplane initially touched down, but a second gust of wind forced it back into the air. The airplane touched down a second time, and was not aligned with the runway. The airplane subsequently veered left and began to travel off the left side of the runway. The pilot applied right rudder and brake, but was unable to regain directional control. The reported wind at an airport approximately 10 miles southeast of the accident site, about the time of the accident, was from 160 degrees at 12 knots. The pilot reported that the wind at the accident site was from 160 degrees at 16 knots, gusting to 25 knots.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control while landing. Factors were the gusting cross winds.

Full Narrative

On September 27, 2003, about 1330 eastern daylight time, an amateur built Pitts S1S, N465JW, was substantially damaged while landing at Chestnut Hill Airport (5PS5), Duncannon, Pennsylvania. The certificated commercial pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight that departed Keller Brothers Airport, Lebanon, Pennsylvania. No flight plan was filed for the personal flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. Chestnut Hill Airport was serviced by runway 7/25. The runway was 1,700 feet long, 100 feet wide, and consisted of turf. The pilot stated that he initially flew over the airport to check the wind and field conditions. He estimated that the wind was from the south, and he decided to land on the east runway. The approach to runway 7 was uneventful; however, the airplane encountered a wind gust prior to touchdown. The airplane initially touched down, but a second gust of wind forced it back into the air. The airplane touched down a second time, and was not aligned with the runway. The airplane subsequently veered left and began to travel off the left side of the runway. The pilot applied right rudder and brake, but was unable regain directional control. The airplane continued to travel off the left side of the runway and came to rest upright. The wind reported at an airport about 10 miles southeast of the accident site, at 1356, was from 160 degrees at 12 knots. The pilot reported that the wind at the accident site was from 160 degrees at 16 knots, gusting to 25 knots. The pilot reported a total flight experience of 770 hours; of which, 85 hours were in the same make and model as the accident airplane. Examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed damage to right wing and landing gear. The inspector did not observe any pre-impact mechanical malfunctions, nor did the pilot report any.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:30 EDT
Nearest AirportChestnut Hill Airport (0nm)
Runway7
Runway Length1700 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftWells Pitts S1S
Tail NumberN465JW
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-360 · Reciprocating · 200

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 38 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind160° @ 12 kt
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point66 F
Altimeter29.87 inHg
Observation Time17:56
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data