Pitts Special S-1C N69CS

Summary

On 4 July 1999 at about 19:00 local time, a Pitts Special S-1C registered N69CS was involved in an accident near Temple, Texas, United States. One person was on board and one had minor injuries. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

4 July 1999 at 19:00

Classification

Accident

Location

Temple, Texas, United States

Coordinates

31.0796, -97.2492

Aircraft

Pitts Special S-1C

Registration

N69CS

Category

Airplane

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

FTW99LA181

1 person had minor injuries.

The loss of engine power due to fuel starvation, as a result of fuel moving away from the fuel supply outlets during maneuvering with a low fuel level, and the pilot's failure to maintain clearance with the power lines during the ensuing forced landing.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

The experimental amateur-built aerobatic airplane impacted power lines during a forced landing following a loss of engine power. The pilot reported that after 1.8 hours of flight and 3 miles from his destination airport the 'engine stopped.' He stated that the fuel pressure gauge was indicating 'no pressure.' The pilot then turned on the fuel boost pump and ensured the mixture was rich, the throttle was full open, and the fuel selector was in the on position. He elected to make a forced landing to a field. During the emergency approach to the field, the engine 'began to run again;' however, it ran for only 30 to 45 seconds. The pilot then attempted a forced landing on a road, and the airplane impacted power lines, which the pilot stated that he 'never saw.' The FAA inspector reported that the main fuel tank contained approximately 4 gallons of fuel, and there was no header tank installed. Without a header tank, the airplane's unusable fuel while maneuvering is 5 gallons.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.