Summary
On September 11, 2019, a Pitts S1 (N515JD) was involved in an incident near Reno, NV. 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 landing, which resulted in a runway excursion and a ground loop.
The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped biplane reported that, during landing, the airplane encountered a right crosswind, veered to the right off the runway, and ground looped to the right.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the lower left wing and rudder.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
The airport's automated weather observation station reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was from 150° at 4 knots. The pilot added that he believed he encountered a dust devil. The pilot was landing the airplane on runway 08.
This incident is documented in NTSB report GAA19CA596. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N515JD.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing, which resulted in a runway excursion and a ground loop.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped biplane reported that, during landing, the airplane encountered a right crosswind, veered to the right off the runway, and ground looped to the right.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the lower left wing and rudder.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
The airport's automated weather observation station reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was from 150° at 4 knots. The pilot added that he believed he encountered a dust devil. The pilot was landing the airplane on runway 08.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# GAA19CA596