Pitts S-2B Safety Record

Complete NTSB accident and incident history. 23 events recorded from 1983 to 2013.

23

All Events

11

Incidents

2

Minor

3

Serious

7

Fatal (11 fatalities)

Date Location Reg# Severity Damage Probable Cause
May 19, 2013 Adana, TU TC-AYT Fatal (1) destroyed Investigation pending
Feb 01, 2003 Long Beach, CA N300PS Serious (1) substantial 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 N225SD Fatal (1) substantial
The pilot under instruction's failure to maintain adequate airspeed, and the flight instructor's inadequate remedial action during a simulated engine-…

The pilot under instruction's failure to maintain adequate airspeed, and the flight instructor's inadequate remedial action during a simulated engine-out approach, which resulted in an inadvertent stall, and subsequent ground impact.

Jul 05, 1999 STEAMBOAT SPRGS, CO N321MB Fatal (2) destroyed Intentional aerobatics performed by the pilot at an altitude insufficient to make a safe recovery.
Nov 28, 1998 EASTON, MD N340PS Serious (1) substantial The failure of both the pilot-in-command (CFI) and dual student of the other aircraft (Pitts) to maintain adequate visual lookout.
Aug 31, 1998 SHERMAN, TX N52TW Incident substantial
The failure of the pilot in command to maintain directional control of the airplane during the landing flare. A factor was the gusty, crosswind condit…

The failure of the pilot in command to maintain directional control of the airplane during the landing flare. A factor was the gusty, crosswind condition.

Apr 23, 1998 GREENFIELD, CA N6027V Incident substantial The pilot's failure to maintain directional control. A related factor was the proximity of high brush located on both sides of the runway.
Dec 07, 1997 BOZEMAN, MT N693SB Fatal (3) destroyed
The failure of both pilots to maintain visual lookout. Factors were the pilot of N693SB not following procedures and directives, and the pilot of N69…

The failure of both pilots to maintain visual lookout. Factors were the pilot of N693SB not following procedures and directives, and the pilot of N693SB using poor judgment.

Aug 27, 1997 MOUNTAIN VIEW, AR N9QT Incident substantial Fuel exhaustion due to the pilot's inadequate preflight planning. A factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.
Jul 12, 1996 BOCA RATON, FL N6082E Incident substantial
the dual student's inadequate compensation for wind conditions, and inadequate supervision by the flight instructor. The gusty/crosswind condition was…

the dual student's inadequate compensation for wind conditions, and inadequate supervision by the flight instructor. The gusty/crosswind condition was a related factor.

Apr 06, 1996 FREEHOLD TWSP, NJ N917JD Fatal (1) destroyed
the pilot's improper fuel management which resulted in a power loss due to fuel exhaustion, and his failure to maintain airspeed during a forced landi…

the pilot's improper fuel management which resulted in a power loss due to fuel exhaustion, and his failure to maintain airspeed during a forced landing which resulted in an inadvertent stall.

Aug 12, 1995 PHOENIX, AZ N540RJ Incident substantial The inadequate supervision by the instructor pilot by allowing the trainee to initiate a late go-around from a simulated forced landing.
Apr 26, 1995 NAPLES, FL N711BT Incident substantial
The failure of the tail wheel landing gear system for undetermined reasons. This resulted in an on-ground loss of control on landing rollout, ground l…

The failure of the tail wheel landing gear system for undetermined reasons. This resulted in an on-ground loss of control on landing rollout, ground loop, and collapse of the right main landing gear.

Apr 01, 1995 OTTAWA, KS N876CB Fatal (1) destroyed The pilot not performing proper stall/spin recovery procedures.
Feb 25, 1995 SPOKANE, WA N49335 Incident substantial
FATIGUE FAILURE OF THE CRANKSHAFT. FACTORS WERE THE SOFT TERRAIN AND THE PILOT/OWNER'S FAILURE TO CONDUCT RECURRING CRANKSHAFT INSPECTIONS RECOMMENDE…

FATIGUE FAILURE OF THE CRANKSHAFT. FACTORS WERE THE SOFT TERRAIN AND THE PILOT/OWNER'S FAILURE TO CONDUCT RECURRING CRANKSHAFT INSPECTIONS RECOMMENDED BY THE MANUFACTURER.

Dec 27, 1994 AFTON, WY N60823 Minor substantial
THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL, AND HIS INADEQUATE REMEDIAL ACTION. FACTORS INCLUDE SNOW COVERED TERRAIN AT THE EDGE OF THE RUNWA…

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL, AND HIS INADEQUATE REMEDIAL ACTION. FACTORS INCLUDE SNOW COVERED TERRAIN AT THE EDGE OF THE RUNWAY.

Oct 19, 1994 CHANDLER, AZ N15KR Incident substantial the pilot's failure to maintain proper alignment with the runway during landing rollout. A contributing factor was sun glare.
Jul 26, 1994 SALT LAKE CITY, UT N8026 Incident substantial THE INADEQUATE VISUAL LOOKOUT BY THE INSTRUCTOR AND DUAL STUDENT. FACTORS INCLUDE SUNGLARE AND THE TUG LEFT ON THE TAXIWAY.
Jun 15, 1993 EAST PALESTINE, OH N54DR Incident substantial THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE AIRCRAFT. THE PILOT'S IMPROPER COMPENSATION FOR THE WIND CONDITION IS A CONTRIBUTING FACTOR.
Mar 07, 1993 HILLSBORO, MD N12QW Serious (1) destroyed
FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN AIRSPEED, WHILE PERFORMING AEROBATIC MANEUVERS, WHICH RESULTED IN AN INADVERTENT FLAT SPIN AND AN UNCONTROLLED DESCEN…

FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN AIRSPEED, WHILE PERFORMING AEROBATIC MANEUVERS, WHICH RESULTED IN AN INADVERTENT FLAT SPIN AND AN UNCONTROLLED DESCENT INTO TERRAIN.

May 16, 1991 ALBUQUERQUE, NM N603SB Incident substantial FAILURE OF THE PILOT OF THE OTHER AIRPLANE TO MAINTAIN VISUAL LOOKOUT.
Dec 28, 1985 CADDO MILLS, TX N5305A Fatal (2) destroyed Investigation pending
Jun 14, 1983 AFTON, WY N947 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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