N540S

Substantial
None

GRAHN J/GRAHN G PITTS S2SS/N: 009

Accident Details

Date
Thursday, August 13, 2009
NTSB Number
CEN09CA520
Location
Rifle, CO
Event ID
20090813X73143
Coordinates
39.526111, -107.726943
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 excessive landing speed and subsequent excessive brake application which resulted in a loss of control and impact with an airport sign.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
GRAHN J/GRAHN G
Serial Number
009
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1979
Model / ICAO
PITTS S2S
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
2
FAA Model
PITTS S2S

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
CODE SUPPLIES INC
Address
1775 YANCEY RD
City
ROSSVILLE
State / Zip Code
TN 38066-3020
Country
United States

Analysis

According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the pilot had just completed practice for his air show performance and was landing on runway 26. The pilot stated that he landed fast and while braking to make an intersection, the brakes became hot and the right brake began to fade. The airplane began to track to the left and the pilot steered the airplane between two taxi lights. The airplane impacted a taxiway sign, breaking the right lower right inboard spar. The pilot did not see the sign prior to impact. An examination of the airplane, conducted by the FAA, revealed no mechanical anomalies.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CEN09CA520