C-GMEE

Substantial
None

Pitts S1S/N: 7-0199

Accident Details

Date
Sunday, November 3, 2019
NTSB Number
GAA20CA056
Location
Monument Valley, UT
Event ID
20191104X20412
Coordinates
37.016666, -110.200553
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 landing after a wing struck vegetation, which resulted in a runway excursion and subsequent ground-loop.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
PITTS
Serial Number
7-0199
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1980
Model / ICAO
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
FAA Model
PITTS SPECIAL S1C

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
Katie Waito
Address
P.O. Box 828
1225 Peninsular Road
City
Ucluelet
State / Zip Code
British Columbia V0R3A-0
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped biplane reported that, while conducting a 3-point landing, the lower right wing struck vegetation along the edge of the runway. The biplane veered to the right off the runway. She decided to abort the landing and added power to go around, but the biplane ground looped to the left and both lower wings struck the ground.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to fuselage and both lower wings.

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

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# GAA20CA056