Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing, which resulted in a runway excursion and nose down.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that, during the landing roll, the biplane veered right. He applied left rudder and brakes, the left wingtip scraped the runway, and the biplane exited the runway to the left. He then applied more brakes to avoid a drainage ditch, and the biplane nosed down. The biplane sustained substantial damage to the lower, left wing spar. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the biplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA19CA577 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Sep 28, 2019
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Morrisville, Vermont
- Nearest airport
- Morrisville-Stowe State (MVL)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Pitts S2
- N-number
- N5310S
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1984
- 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.