Probable cause
The pilot's improper landing flare, which led to a bounced landing and subsequent loss of control.
NTSB analysis
As the pilot was landing the tailwheel-equipped airplane, he applied aft control stick to "pin the tail" on the runway. The airplane bounced off the runway surface, veered to the right, and the pilot attempted to abort the landing. During the aborted landing attempt, the left wing struck the terrain. Subsequently, the main landing gear collapsed, and the airplane skidded back onto the runway. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left lower wing and fuselage. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN13CA077 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Nov 24, 2012
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Grain Valley, Missouri
- Nearest airport
- East Kansas City Airport (3GV)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Christen Industries Inc PITTS S-2S
- N-number
- N15PU
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.