Pitts S-2B Aircraft 1980s
1980s piston singles are pre-FADEC, pre-glass-cockpit airframes — Cessna 172/182, Piper PA-28 series, Bonanza V35/F33, Mooney M20J 201 from this period. Most have undergone at least one engine overhaul and avionics refresh (ADS-B Out retrofit, GPS upgrade). Pre-buy focus: airframe corrosion, AD compliance (especially recent wing-spar ADs on 210/PA-28), Lycoming or Continental engine condition, panel revision currency.
The Pitts S-2 is the two-seat member of the family — same fierce aerobatic pedigree with a second seat for instruction, rides and cross-country. The S-2A (200 hp), S-2B (260 hp) and S-2C add power and refinement, making the S-2 the go-to for aerobatic training and for owners who want to share the experience or travel to contests. Built in factory (Aviat) and kit form.
1 used Pitts S-2B aircraft for sale 1980s · 2-seat · Reference price ~$120,000 ($75,000–$200,000) · updated 2026-06-23
Pitts S-2B Specifications
Model specThe Pitts S-2B is a 2-seat single engine piston with a cruise speed of 137–152 kt (254–282 km/h), a range of 277–298 nm (513–552 km), and a useful load of 500 lbs (227 kg).
Pitts S-2B for Sale
Pitts S-2B Variants
| Variant | Years | Seats | Cruise | Range | Useful load | Price range | Best for | Listings for sale |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S-2A | 1972–1985 | 2 | 137 kts (254 km/h) | 298 nm (552 km) | 500 lbs (227 kg) | $85K – $102K | Classic two-seat aerobatic biplane for pilots who want serious Pitts character and accept tight cockpit, high workload, and specialist maintenance. | 6 |
Compare Pitts S-2B
See how the Pitts S-2B stacks up against similar aircraft in specs, price, and operating costs.
Pitts S-2B Price & Cost
Key price factors: engine time to overhaul, year and airframe hours, avionics, damage history and logbook completeness — see the buying guide below for the full pre-purchase checklist.
Buying a Used Pitts S-2B
Buying a Pitts S-2B comes down to a focused pre-purchase checklist — here is what matters most on this model:
What to check before buying
Frequently Asked Questions — Pitts S-2B
Cost?
S-2 vs S-1?
Pitts S-2B Inventory by Country
| France | 1 |
| United States | 1 |
Pitts S-2B by Price
| Under $200k | 1 |
| Under $300k | 1 |
| Under $500k | 1 |
Pitts S-2B Safety Record
Across all S-2B variants, 23 NTSB-recorded events are on file from 1983–2013. As with any aircraft, most outcomes depend on pilot training, maintenance and operating conditions rather than the airframe itself.
23
Total Events
11
Incidents
3
Serious
7
Fatal
Most Recent Events
| Date | Location | Severity | Probable Cause |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 19, 2013 | Adana, | Fatal (1) | — |
| Feb 01, 2003 | Long Beach, CA | Serious | The pilot's excessive pull up, which resulted in a failure to obtain/maintain flying speed and a subsequent stall/mush. |
| Aug 21, 2001 | Shirley, NY | Fatal (1) | The pilot under instruction's failure to maintain adequate airspeed, and the flight instructor's inadequate remedial act… |
| Jul 05, 1999 | STEAMBOAT SPRGS, CO | Fatal (2) | Intentional aerobatics performed by the pilot at an altitude insufficient to make a safe recovery. |
| Nov 28, 1998 | EASTON, MD | Serious | The failure of both the pilot-in-command (CFI) and dual student of the other aircraft (Pitts) to maintain adequate visua… |
NTSB records 1983–2013. Includes all Pitts S-2B variants. Events ≠ aircraft fault.