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NTSB Report
August 13, 2009 · Grahn J/Grahn G Pitts S2S · N540S
Rifle, CO
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 13, 2009
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Rifle, CO
Aircraft
Grahn J/Grahn G Pitts S2S
Tail Number
N540S
Operator
Skip Stewart Airshows
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN09CA520
According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the pilot had just completed practice for his air show performance and was landing on runway 26. The pilot stated that he landed fast and while braking to make an intersection, the brakes became hot and the right brake began to fade. The airplane began to track to the left and the pilot steered the airplane between two taxi lights. The airplane impacted a taxiway sign, breaking the right lower right inboard spar. The pilot did not see the sign prior to impact. An examination of the airplane, conducted by the FAA, revealed no mechanical anomalies.
NTSB Probable Cause
The pilot's excessive landing speed and subsequent excessive brake application which resulted in a loss of control and impact with an airport sign.
Full Narrative
According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the pilot had just completed practice for his air show performance and was landing on runway 26. The pilot stated that he landed fast and while braking to make an intersection, the brakes became hot and the right brake began to fade. The airplane began to track to the left and the pilot steered the airplane between two taxi lights. The airplane impacted a taxiway sign, breaking the right lower right inboard spar. The pilot did not see the sign prior to impact. An examination of the airplane, conducted by the FAA, revealed no mechanical anomalies.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:30 MDT
Nearest AirportGarfield County Regional Airpo (0nm)
Runway26
Runway Length7011 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftGrahn J/Grahn G Pitts S2S
Tail NumberN540S
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorSkip Stewart Airshows
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-540-S1A5 · Reciprocating · 300
Seats1
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 41 · First Class · None
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind190° @ 13 kt, gusting 20 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point37 C
Altimeter30.17 inHg
Observation Time20:53
Weather SourceWFAC