Aerotek PITTS S-2A N1230S accident near West Palm Beach, Florida

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll in crosswind conditions.

NTSB analysis

The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, after completing 12 to 13 touch-and-go landings on a grass runway in crosswind conditions, he planned to complete a full-stop landing. He added that, during the landing roll, the airplane "departed the runway to the right" into marshy terrain and nosed over.

The vertical stabilizer and rudder sustained substantial damage.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

According to a Federal Aviation Administration Aviation Safety Inspector, a few hours after the accident, he examined the grass runway and found no abnormalities with the surface.

The nearest automated weather observation station, located 12 nautical miles from the accident airport, about the time of the accident, recorded wind from 190° at 7 knots. The pilot reported that he landed on runway 26 left.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA17CA181 for the full record.