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PITTS Special S-1A
Image: MARK J. CAIRNS
History of our Pitts S-1A Special — N80-BA
Pitts S-1A Special c/n 648-4 amateur built 1980 in USA imported to Northern Ireland on 4th May 1988.
Based at Newtownards until 11th Dec 1999 but whilst returning to Newtownards after an Aerobatic exercise, on descent to land it experienced catastrophic engine failure and made an off-field crash landing resulting in severe structural damage, however the pilot was able to extract himself from the wreckage.
The aircraft was declared a write-off and was de-registered on 24th Oct 2013. Wreckage was donated to UAS in 2016.
History of Pitts Specials S1 and S2 biplanes
The 'Pitts Special' (company designations S1 and S2) is a series of light aerobatic biplanes designed by Curtis Pitts. It has accumulated many competition wins since its first flight in 1944.
The Pitts biplanes dominated world aerobatic competition in the 1960s and 1970s and, even today, remain potent competition aircraft in the lower categories.
Image: DAVID SMITH
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Pitts Special S-1A
VEHICLES
DISPLAY ROOMS
Manufacturer: Curtiss Pitts
Model: S-1A
Registration: N80-BA
(c/n 648-4)
Crew: 1
Engine: Lycoming O-360-B1B 160hp
Length & Height: 15' 5" x
6' 4"
Wing Span: 17'4" (Upper); 15'6 (Lower)
Fuel Tank: 19 Gallons
Flown 1980-1999
UAS Location: Hangar 2
FUTURE POSSIBLE RESTORATION PROJECT
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