LAX03CA287

Factual narrative

On September 13, 2003, at 1545 Pacific daylight time, an Aviat Pitts S-2C acrobatic biplane, N57BC, dragged a wing while performing during an air show at Moffett Federal Airfield, Mountain View, California. The pilot/owner was operating the airplane under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91. The airplane sustained substantial damage; the pilot sustained minor injuries. The flight departed Moffett at 1540 for the purpose of performing in an airshow. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan had been filed. In a written statement, the pilot reported that he was an air show performer at the Moffett Field Air Expo. While executing a series of low altitude slow rolls, about 35 feet above ground level (agl), the left wing contacted the runway. The airplane then impacted the runway inverted and slid to a stop. The pilot did not report any mechanical malfunctions prior to the mishap. The pilot dragged a wing while performing during an air show. As the pilot was executing a series of low altitude slow rolls, about 35 feet above ground level (agl), the left wing contacted the runway. The airplane then impacted the runway inverted and slid to a stop. No mechanical malfunctions were reported prior to the mishap. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database (Pre-2008 Archive) Retrieved: 2026-02-12