Pitts S1E, VH-XII, Bendigo VIC, 18 April 1987

198701433

Summary

At the conclusion of an aerobatic sequence, the pilot positioned the aircraft for a landing on the grass flight strip. At the time, there was a crosswind of about 8 knots with occasional gusts. Towards the end of the landing roll the aircraft groundlooped and the left maingear collapsed. The pilot stated that he did not believe the aircraft could groundloop at such a slow speed and was therefore not ready when the aircraft weathercocked. He did not attempt to apply full power, which is the recommended procedure in this aircraft, to correct such a swing.

Occurrence summary

Investigation number 198701433
Occurrence date 18/04/1987
Location Bendigo
Report release date 04/09/1987
Report status Final
Investigation type Occurrence Investigation
Investigation status Completed
Mode of transport Aviation
Aviation occurrence category Loss of control
Occurrence class Accident
Highest injury level None

Aircraft details

Manufacturer Pitts Aviation Enterprises
Model S-1
Registration VH-XII
Serial number V70
Operation type Private
Departure point Bendigo VIC
Destination Bendigo VIC
Damage Substantial