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NTSB investigation record

CEN09CA520

Completed

Grahn j/grahn g Pitts s2S· N540S

Date
August 13, 2009
Location
Rifle, CO
Conditions
VMC
Record
Published September 25, 2020

Primary finding

Probable cause

The pilot's excessive landing speed and subsequent excessive brake application which resulted in a loss of control and impact with an airport sign.

Investigator assessment

Analysis narrative

According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the pilot had just completed practice for his air show performance and was landing on runway 26. The pilot stated that he landed fast and while braking to make an intersection, the brakes became hot and the right brake began to fade. The airplane began to track to the left and the pilot steered the airplane between two taxi lights. The airplane impacted a taxiway sign, breaking the right lower right inboard spar. The pilot did not see the sign prior to impact. An examination of the airplane, conducted by the FAA, revealed no mechanical anomalies.

Source record

Factual narrative

According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the pilot had just completed practice for his air show performance and was landing on runway 26. The pilot stated that he landed fast and while braking to make an intersection, the brakes became hot and the right brake began to fade. The airplane began to track to the left and the pilot steered the airplane between two taxi lights. The airplane impacted a taxiway sign, breaking the right lower right inboard spar. The pilot did not see the sign prior to impact. An examination of the airplane, conducted by the FAA, revealed no mechanical anomalies.

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