Cirrus Design Corp SR22 N876CP and Aviat Inc PITTS S-2B N8ZT accident near Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

Probable cause

The Pitts pilot's inadequate visual lookout and failure to maintain clearance from the Cirrus airplane.

The Pitts pilot's inadequate visual lookout.

NTSB analysis

The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped Pitts airplane was taxiing to the runway for takeoff when he impacted a Cirrus airplane that was holding short of the runway. The Pitts pilot stated that he did not see the Cirrus prior to the collision, claiming that the narrow taxiway limited his ability to make "s" turns. A Federal Aviation Administration inspector reported that the propeller of the Pitts struck the right outboard section of wing spar of the Cirrus, resulting in substantial damage to the Cirrus.

The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped Pitts airplane was taxiing to the runway for takeoff when he impacted a Cirrus airplane that was holding short of the runway. The Pitts pilot stated that he did not see the Cirrus prior to the collision, claiming that the narrow taxiway limited his ability to make “s” turns. A Federal Aviation Administration inspector reported that the propeller of the Pitts struck the right outboard section of wing spar of the Cirrus, resulting in substantial damage to the Cirrus.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA11LA043 for the full record.