Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND'S EXCEEDING OF THE DESIGN LIMITATIONS OF THE AIRPLANE.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
On May 26, 1994, about 1330 eastern daylight time, N61PS, Pitts S2B, registered to the pilot David J. Swartz experienced a structural failure in flight near Keystone Heights, Florida, while on a 14 CFR Part 91 acrobatic flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed for the local flight. The airplane was substantially damaged and the pilot reported no injuries. The flight had originated from Keystone Heights Airport about 45 minutes earlier.
The pilot stated that while performing acrobatic maneuvers he heard a loud noise. After landing, the airplane was inspected and a structural longeron was found broken in two places. The pilot stated he had heard a similar noise about 3 weeks earlier.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# MIA94LA154