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May 1, 2005 · Aerotek Pitts S-2A · N5300V

Tracy, CA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 1, 2005
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury), 1 uninjured
Location
Tracy, CA
Aircraft
Aerotek Pitts S-2A
Tail Number
N5300V
Operator
Team Barf
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX05CA153

During landing, the pilot lost directional control, ground looped, and nosed over. The pilot stated that he departed the airport to go to the practice area. Upon returning to the airport, he used a slipping final for visibility, and to correct for a crosswind. When the wheels touched down, the airplane began to deviate left of center. The pilot corrected to the right, the left wing contacted the ground, and the airplane crossed to the right side of runway. The prop struck the runway and the airplane slowly nosed over. The pilot then turned off the fuel, master switch, and magnetos. Both occupants exited from the inverted airplane by sliding the canopy open. The closest official weather observation station was located 15 nautical miles (nm) northeast of the accident site and was reporting winds variable at 06 knots. The pilot reported that the winds at the airport were from 280 degrees at 12 knots. The pilot stated that the airplane and engine had no mechanical failures or malfunctions during the flight.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's inadequate compensation for the crosswind conditions and failure to maintain directional control, which resulted in a ground loop and nose over.

Full Narrative

On May 1, 2005, about 1241 Pacific daylight time, a Pitts S-2A, N5300V, ground looped during landing at Tracy, California. The owner was operating the airplane under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91. The certified flight instructor (CFI) was not injured, and one passenger sustained minor injuries. The airplane sustained substantial damage. The local personal flight departed Tracy about 1150. Visual instrument meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed. The pilot submitted a Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2). He stated that he departed the airport to go to the practice area. Upon returning to the airport, he used a slipping final for visibility, and to correct for a crosswind. When the wheels touched down, the airplane began to deviate left of center. The pilot corrected to the right, the left wing contacted the ground, and the airplane crossed to the right side of runway. The prop struck the runway and the airplane slowly nosed over. The pilot then turned off the fuel, master switch, and grounded the magnetos. Both occupants exited from the inverted airplane by sliding the canopy open. The closest official weather observation station was Stockton Metro (SCK), which is located 15 nautical miles (nm) northeast of the accident site. An aviation routine weather report (METAR) for Stockton was issued at 1255. It stated: winds variable at 06 knots; visibility 10 miles; skies clear; temperature 23 degrees Celsius; dew point 08 degrees Celsius; altimeter 30.05 inHg. The pilot reported that the weather at Tracy was: winds from 280 degrees at 12 knots; visibility 20 miles; skies 8,000 feet scattered; temperature 63 degrees Fahrenheit. The pilot stated that the airplane and engine had no mechanical failures or malfunctions during the flight.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:41 PDT
Nearest AirportTracy Municipal (0nm)
Runway30
Runway Length3680 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo

Aircraft

AircraftAerotek Pitts S-2A
Tail NumberN5300V
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorTeam Barf
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · AEIO-360-AIE · Reciprocating

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury), 1 uninjured
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured1
Total2
Crew 1Age 54 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind6 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point46
Altimeter30.04 inHg
Observation Time19:55
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data