Pilot Debrief

Harry Oas Pitts S1C near Carlsbad, NM — 2016-05-29

Final reportCEN16LA202
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Date
2016-05-29
Location
Carlsbad, NM, USA
Airport
CNM
Aircraft
Harry Oas Pitts S1C
Registration
N95R
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Landing

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control while landing in crosswind conditions.

NTSB narrative

The commercial pilot was landing the tailwheel-equipped airplane; it departed the left side of the runway during the landing roll and subsequently nosed over. A skid mark associated with the left main wheel was observed on the runway following the accident. A postaccident examination did not reveal any anomalies of the brake system. Left and right rudder/brake pedal travel was not restricted, and the brake system was intact and operational. Weather information indicated that there was a 20° right crosswind at 8 knots about the time of the accident. Given the absence of mechanical anomalies, it is likely that the pilot failed to maintain directional control during the landing roll.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted landing when left turn developed.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 6 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents6

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