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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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November 17, 2024 · Pitts S1E · N52B

Seguin, TX

Overview

Report Status
Factual report
Event Type
Accident
Date
November 17, 2024
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Seguin, TX
Aircraft
Pitts S1E (1988)
Tail Number
N52B
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN25LA043

On November 17, 2024, about 1415 central standard time, a Pitts Special S-1E airplane, N52B, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Seguin, Texas. The pilot was not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. According to the pilot, he was practicing the International Aerobatic Club Advanced Free Sequence maneuver nine, which consists of a left 1 and ½ rotation snap roll to inverted flight followed by a reverse direction ½ loop downward, when he felt the left rudder lose tension, go to the firewall, and lost rudder control. The airplane ceased the snap roll and entered an inverted spiraling descent. He regained control using aileron and elevator and stabilized the airplane in upright flight. He then found that while he had right rudder control, he was unable to center the rudder due to the unresponsive left rudder pedal. The pilot returned to Zuehl Airport (1TE4) but was unable to control the airplane’s lateral alignment with the runway until he found the broken left rudder cable and was able to manipulate the rudder flight control surface by grabbing the cable and centering the rudder. During the landing roll, the airplane veered to the right and the pilot attempted to correct with left rudder but was unable to overcome the friction of the tailwheel. The airplane ground looped, nosed over, and came to rest inverted which resulted in substantial damage to the vertical stabilizer, lower left wing, and upper wings. Postaccident examination by the pilot revealed that the left rudder cable had separated at the attachment linkage to the left rudder pedal (See figure 1). Figure 1. Broken Left Rudder Cable Additionally, according to the pilot the right rudder cable attachment loop showed evidence of frayed wires with possible corrosion of the thimble (see figure 2). Figure 2. Right Rudder Cable Attachment The airplane was retained for further examination.

Full Narrative

On November 17, 2024, about 1415 central standard time, a Pitts Special S-1E airplane, N52B, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Seguin, Texas. The pilot was not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. According to the pilot, he was practicing the International Aerobatic Club Advanced Free Sequence maneuver nine, which consists of a left 1 and ½ rotation snap roll to inverted flight followed by a reverse direction ½ loop downward, when he felt the left rudder lose tension, go to the firewall, and lost rudder control. The airplane ceased the snap roll and entered an inverted spiraling descent. He regained control using aileron and elevator and stabilized the airplane in upright flight. He then found that while he had right rudder control, he was unable to center the rudder due to the unresponsive left rudder pedal. The pilot returned to Zuehl Airport (1TE4) but was unable to control the airplane’s lateral alignment with the runway until he found the broken left rudder cable and was able to manipulate the rudder flight control surface by grabbing the cable and centering the rudder. During the landing roll, the airplane veered to the right and the pilot attempted to correct with left rudder but was unable to overcome the friction of the tailwheel. The airplane ground looped, nosed over, and came to rest inverted which resulted in substantial damage to the vertical stabilizer, lower left wing, and upper wings. Postaccident examination by the pilot revealed that the left rudder cable had separated at the attachment linkage to the left rudder pedal (See figure 1). Figure 1. Broken Left Rudder Cable Additionally, according to the pilot the right rudder cable attachment loop showed evidence of frayed wires with possible corrosion of the thimble (see figure 2). Figure 2. Right Rudder Cable Attachment The airplane was retained for further examination.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:15 CST
Nearest Airport0nm
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPitts S1E
Tail NumberN52B
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind160° @ 15 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point64 F
Altimeter29.75 inHg
Observation Time13:55
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data