N55MF

Substantial
None

AEROTEK PITTS SPECS/N: KA-102

Accident Details

Date
Sunday, May 24, 2009
NTSB Number
ERA09CA307
Location
Beaver Falls, PA
Event ID
20090526X33431
Coordinates
40.772220, -80.391387
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
1
Total Aboard
1

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during the landing rollout.

Aircraft Information

Registration
N55MF
Make
AEROTEK
Serial Number
KA-102
Engine Type
Turbo-jet
Model / ICAO
PITTS SPECL29
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
SHELDON WALLACE L
Address
601 WINDING OAK DR
Status
Deregistered
City
LEANDER
State / Zip Code
TX 78641-1635
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot completed three orbits above the airfield before attempting to land on runway 28. During the landing, the airplane became unstable. The pilot applied rapid deflections of the rudder and kept the airplane straight momentarily, but ultimately, it continued veering to the left. He applied full right rudder, full right break, and power. In the process, the airplane “tipped forward” onto the right main landing gear and rolled onto the right wingtip. The propeller contacted the runway several times before the airplane exited the left side of the runway at about a 70 degree angle, and nosed over. The pilot stated that there were no mechanical difficulties with the airplane. Wind at the time was from the south west approximately 7 knots.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ERA09CA307