Pitts MODEL 12 accident near Lake Stevens, Washington, September 7, 2026
On September 7, 2026 at about 1:00 am local time, a 2006 Pitts MODEL 12, an amateur-built aircraft,, registered N491X, was substantially damaged in an accident during maneuvering (aerobatics) near Lake Stevens, Washington (Frontier Air Park airport). It was a personal flight under general aviation rules (Part 91). 1 person was seriously injured. The weather was visual conditions (good weather).
The NTSB's probable cause their words, unchanged
The NTSB has not yet published a probable cause for this accident. Investigations usually take one to two years; this page updates when the final report is released.
Source: NTSB aviation accident database, copy made October 5, 2026. Docket and reports at the NTSB.
What the record shows
- Date
- September 7, 2026 · about 1:00 am local time
- Place
- Lake Stevens, Washington · Frontier Air Park · map
- Type
- Accident
- Injuries
- 1 person was seriously injured.
- Weather
- visual conditions (good weather)
- Aircraft
- Pitts MODEL 12, built 2006, amateur-built
- Registration
- N491X · registry record · serial 96
- Damage
- Substantial damage
- Flight
- Personal flight · general aviation rules (Part 91)
The NTSB's narrative preliminary · quoted from the NTSB record
On September 6, 2026, about 1800 Pacific daylight time, an experimental Pitts Model 12 airplane, N491X, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Lake Stevens, Washington. The pilot sustained serious injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. According to the pilot, after departing Frontier Air Park (WN53), Lake Stevens, Washington, he began practicing a series of aerobatic maneuvers in the vicinity of the airport. During a spin, the airplane experienced what the pilot described as a partial loss of engine power. After recovering from the spin, the pilot applied full power, but the engine did not respond. The pilot attempted to troubleshoot by activating the electric boost pump; however, the engine remained at idle power. The pilot stated that he determined he would not reach the runway and aimed for a treed area between two homes. The pilot further stated that, while attempting to extend the airplane's glide at low altitude, the airplane subsequently entered a right spin. The pilot reported that he regained control of the airplane, rolled the wings level, and flared before impacting terrain. Multiple witnesses captured video of the accident sequence and the aerobatic maneuvers that preceded the accident. The videos show the accident airplane recover from a series of spins at a low altitude, make a right turn, and fly wings level for several seconds before entering another spin and descending below the tree line. The propeller can be seen rotating, and engine noise is audible throughout the recorded accident sequence. Figure Accident airplane at accident site (NTSB Photo) The airplane impacted a treed area between two homes and came to rest on its left side (see figure), which resulted in substantial damage to the wings and fuselage. The wreckage was recovered to a secure facility for further examination.
The complete narrative as the NTSB published it. The NTSB's docket holds the report as a PDF and any photographs, statements and other documents from the investigation.
The factual record from the NTSB's investigation tables, in plain English
What happened, in order
- Loss of engine power (partial) during maneuvering (aerobatics) defining event
The aircraft
- Airframe total time: 327 hours
- Last inspection: condition inspection, May 26, 2026; 15 hours since
- Maximum gross weight: 2,250 lb
- Seats: 2
- Landing gear: fixed
The flight
- Departed from: WN53 Lake Stevens WA
- Flight plan: none
Weather at the time
- Light: daylight
- Wind: from 300° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Sky: clear
- Temperature: 72°F (22°C), dew point 48°F (9°C)
- Altimeter: 29.97 inHg
- Observation at 6:00 pm from AWO, 6 miles away
Weather report (METAR): METAR KAWO 070056Z AUTO 30008KT 10SM CLR 22/09 A2997 RMK AO2 SLP155 T02170094 $
Injuries
| Fatal | Serious | Minor | None | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flight crew | 1 |
Documents from the investigation the NTSB's docket: the evidence folder behind the report
The NTSB has not released the docket for this case yet. The docket, the folder of records gathered during an investigation (maintenance records, photographs, witness statements, examinations), is usually released when the investigation is nearly complete, and the list here is refreshed when it appears. Check at the NTSB.
Everything on this page comes from the NTSB's public records. The narrative, probable cause and findings are the NTSB's own words; the coded tables behind the report are written out in plain English, with pilots' ages, home towns and medical details left out. The documents and photographs are the NTSB's docket, shown as the NTSB released them. This site's own text never names anyone involved. A preliminary report can change; the final report usually follows one to two years later, and the page is refreshed when it does.