Summary
On August 13, 2008, a Aerotek Pitts Special S-1S (N362JW) was involved in an incident near Crawford, CO. All 1 person aboard were uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this incident to be: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff. Contributing to the accident were wind gusts and rough terrain.
During the takeoff roll after the tailwheel lifted off the runway, the airplane encountered a "strong left crosswind." The pilot attempted to correct with right rudder; however, the airplane departed the runway surface. Subsequently, the airplane contacted rough/uneven terrain, flipped over and came to rest inverted. The pilot and witnesses reported the winds at the time of calm with intermittent gusts. Examination of the airplane showed that the vertical stabilizer and rudder were bent.
This incident is documented in NTSB report DEN08CA142. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N362JW.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
the pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff. Contributing to the accident were wind gusts and rough terrain.
Aircraft Information
Analysis
During the takeoff roll after the tailwheel lifted off the runway, the airplane encountered a "strong left crosswind." The pilot attempted to correct with right rudder; however, the airplane departed the runway surface. Subsequently, the airplane contacted rough/uneven terrain, flipped over and came to rest inverted. The pilot and witnesses reported the winds at the time of calm with intermittent gusts. Examination of the airplane showed that the vertical stabilizer and rudder were bent.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# DEN08CA142