N1230S

Substantial
None

AEROTEK PITTS S-2AS/N: 2216

Accident Details

Date
Wednesday, March 8, 2017
NTSB Number
GAA17CA181
Location
West Palm Beach, FL
Event ID
20170308X02940
Coordinates
26.845832, -80.222221
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 during the landing roll in crosswind conditions.

Aircraft Information

Registration
N1230S
Make
AEROTEK
Serial Number
2216
Engine Type
Turbo-jet
Year Built
1980
Model / ICAO
PITTS S-2AL29
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
TAIL WHEEL FLYERS OF SOUTH FLORIDA LLC
Address
6324 SHADOW TREE LN
Status
Deregistered
City
LAKE WORTH
State / Zip Code
FL 33463-8243
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot of a tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that after 12 to 13 touch-and-go landings on a grass runway in crosswind conditions, he planned to complete a full stop landing. He added that during the landing roll, the airplane "departed the runway to the right" into marshy terrain and nosed over.

The vertical stabilizer and rudder sustained substantial damage.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

According to a Federal Aviation Administration Aviation Safety Inspector, a few hours after the accident he inspected the grass runway and found no abnormalities with the surface.

The nearest automated weather observation station 12 nautical miles from the accident airport, about the time of the accident, recorded wind 190° at 7 knots. The pilot reported that he landed on runway 26 left.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# GAA17CA181