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May 29, 2010 · Pitts Aerobatics S-2B · N260PK

Amarillo, TX

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 29, 2010
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Amarillo, TX
Aircraft
Pitts Aerobatics S-2B
Tail Number
N260PK
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
CEN10LA295

During the initial climb following an engine teardown, inspection, and engine reinstallation, the airplane’s engine experienced a partial loss of power. The pilot initiated a 180-degree turn and performed a downwind landing on the runway from which he had just departed. Following the landing, and while taxiing, the pilot observed flames emanating from the engine cowling area. The pilot shut down the engine and exited the airplane. Moments later the airplane was engulfed in flames. An examination of the airplane’s engine revealed that the engine-driven fuel pump housing had fractured where the fuel line fitting had been inserted. The fitting, with its pipe thread, was the correct fitting; however, its preaccident torque value is unknown. Due to thermal damage to the pump housing the reason for the failure could not be determined.

NTSB Probable Cause

Not determined-Not determined-(general)-(general)-Unknown/Not determined - C

Full Narrative

On May 29, 2010, about 1854 central daylight time, a Pitts Aerobatics S-2B airplane, N260PK, was destroyed by fire during a post maintenance flight at the Blue Sky Airfield (2TX0), in Amarillo, Texas. The pilot, the sole occupant, sustained minor injuries. The airplane was registered to and operated by the pilot. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 local flight. The flight originated moments before the accident. Reportedly, the purpose for the flight was a test flight following an engine tear down, inspection, and engine reinstallation. During the initial climb, while at an altitude of 700 feet above ground level (agl), the engine experienced a partial loss of power. The pilot initiated a 180 degree turn and performed a downwind landing on the runway he had just departed from. Following the landing, and while taxiing, the pilot observed flames emanating from the engine cowling area. The pilot shut down the engine and exited the airplane. Moments later the airplane was engulfed in flames. An examination of the airplane's engine conducted by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector who responded to the accident site, revealed that the engine driven fuel pump housing had fractured where the fuel line fitting had been inserted. The fitting, with its pipe thread, was the correct fitting; however, its pre-accident torque value is unknown. Due to thermal damage to the pump housing, the reason for the failure could not be determined.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time18:54 CDT
Nearest AirportBlue Sky Airfield (0nm)
Runway35
Runway Length4800 ft
Runway Width60 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireGrd
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPitts Aerobatics S-2B
Tail NumberN260PK
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · AEIO-540 SER · Reciprocating · 260
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 53 · Third Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind170° @ 11 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data