N5300V

Substantial
Minor

Aerotek Pitts S-2AS/N: 2262

Accident Details

Date
Sunday, May 1, 2005
NTSB Number
LAX05CA153
Location
Tracy, CA
Event ID
20050601X00704
Coordinates
37.688888, -121.441665
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
1
Uninjured
1
Total Aboard
2

Probable Cause and Findings

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

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
AEROTEK
Serial Number
2262
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Model / ICAO
Pitts S-2AL29
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
2
FAA Model
PITTS S-2A

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
WALTERS TODD J
Address
67230 CSAH 33
City
DARWIN
State / Zip Code
MN 55324-6568
Country
United States

Analysis

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.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# LAX05CA153