Probable cause
the pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during his attempted performance of aerobatic maneuvers shortly after takeoff.
NTSB analysis
Witness stated that shortly after rotation, the airplane entered a "barrel roll" maneuver. The airplane "veered off to the right, nose and right wing low, [until] it hit the west edge tree line." The airplane came to rest in a wooded area approximately 300 yards west of the runway centerline. Acquaintances stated the pilot had been known in the past to attempt an aerobatic maneuver shortly after takeoff. No anomalies were noted with the airframe or engine. The private pilot had not held a current medical certificate for the past 6 years.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for DEN08LA124 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 19, 2008
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Cleveland, Texas
- Nearest airport
- Cleveland Municipal (6R3)
- Highest injury
- Fatal
- Fatal injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Aerotek Pitts S-2A
- N-number
- N80053
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Destroyed
- 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.