How many accidents has the Pitts S-1 had?

The NTSB has recorded 35 events involving the Pitts S-1: 7 fatal, 3 serious, 9 minor injuries, and 16 incidents with no injuries.

Is the Pitts S-1 a safe aircraft?

Safety depends on many factors beyond the aircraft model, including pilot training, maintenance, and weather conditions. The Pitts S-1 has 35 NTSB-recorded events. Always review individual reports for context — many events involve pilot error or weather, not aircraft defects.

Pitts S-1 Safety Record

Complete NTSB accident and incident history. 35 events recorded from 1982 to 2025.

All Events

Incidents

Minor

Serious

Fatal (7 fatalities)

Date	Location	Reg#	Severity	Damage	Probable Cause
Oct 13, 2000	MOUNT POCONO, PA	N800AS	Minor	substantial	Pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions during landing. A factor was the crosswind.
Oct 22, 1994	GALEVILLE, NY	N7037W	Minor	destroyed	Inadequate maintenance inspection which resulted in disengagement of the rudder clevis bolt and the inflight loss of control during aerobatic manuever… Inadequate maintenance inspection which resulted in disengagement of the rudder clevis bolt and the inflight loss of control during aerobatic manuevers.
Jul 15, 1994	STEVENSVILLE, MD	N515TN	Minor	substantial	Inadequate maintenance by which undertorquing of the accessory gear retaining bolt resulted in fatigue failure of the bolt and the subsequent loss of … Inadequate maintenance by which undertorquing of the accessory gear retaining bolt resulted in fatigue failure of the bolt and the subsequent loss of engine power.
Nov 17, 1990	CARSON CITY, NV	N9QB	Minor	substantial	THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL DURING TAKEOFF ROLL AND THE ABRUPT PULLUP TO A PREMATURE TAKEOFF.
Jul 09, 1989	BUTLER, TN	N8336	Minor	substantial	THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN CLEARANCE FROM THE SURFACE DURING AN IMPROMPTU ACROBATIC MANEUVER.
Nov 08, 1986	MIAMI, FL	N22XP	Minor	substantial	Investigation pending
May 18, 1986	DENVER, CO	N2DE	Minor	destroyed	Investigation pending
Sep 18, 1983	HASKELL, OK	N49311	Minor	destroyed	Investigation pending
Aug 13, 1983	MADRAS, OR	N8067	Minor	destroyed	Investigation pending

Disclaimer: This data is sourced from the NTSB Aviation Accident Database. NTSB events reflect reported accidents and incidents and do not necessarily indicate a defect in the aircraft type. Many events involve pilot error, weather conditions, maintenance issues, or other factors unrelated to the aircraft design. This information is provided for research purposes only — consult official NTSB reports for complete details.

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Pitts S-1 Safety Record

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