August 15, 2025

Wreckage of Missing Pitts S1-T Airplane Found in Goodyear

News Summary

The wreckage of a missing Pitts S1-T airplane was discovered southwest of Goodyear, Arizona, after an extensive search. The pilot remains unaccounted for as investigations are underway by the MCSO and NTSB. Reports indicate that the aircraft departed from Phoenix-Goodyear Airport before disappearing. Authorities are collecting data to determine the circumstances surrounding the crash, with an initial report expected soon.

Goodyear, AZ – The wreckage of a missing Pitts S1-T airplane was discovered southwest of Goodyear, Arizona, on Wednesday evening, August 13th, according to reports from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The airplane had been unaccounted for since it took off from Phoenix-Goodyear Airport the previous day.

An alert for a missing person, specifically the pilot, was issued on Tuesday, August 12th, after the plane departed at approximately 11:15 a.m. The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) dispatched air crews to search for the aircraft following the report of its disappearance.

At around 6:30 p.m. on August 13th, MCSO located the airplane’s wreckage in a rural area near Ocotillo Road and Bullard Avenue. Following the discovery, MCSO promptly notified the FAA about the situation. Authorities confirmed that only the pilot was aboard the Pitts S1-T aircraft at the time of the crash.

The pilot’s identity has not yet been determined due to the devastating extent of the damage caused by the crash. As a result, the MCSO has assumed primary responsibility for investigating the incident, working in coordination with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).

A formal investigation is currently underway with NTSB officials dispatched to the crash site. They are tasked with gathering essential information, including flight data, air traffic control recordings, and records regarding the plane’s maintenance. Additionally, investigators will be assessing weather conditions at the time of the accident and interviewing any available witnesses to construct a comprehensive understanding of the events leading up to the crash.

A preliminary report from the NTSB regarding the findings of this investigation is expected to be released within the next 30 days, providing further details surrounding this tragic incident.

This incident marks a serious development in aviation safety and highlights the inherent risks associated with small aircraft flights. Pitts S1-T planes, while popular among aviation enthusiasts and for aerobatic performances, require careful handling and awareness of weather conditions to mitigate potential hazards.

The aviation community remains vigilant as authorities work diligently to ascertain the circumstances of this unfortunate mishap. With increasing interest in small aircraft flying, the necessity for stringent safety measures and thorough investigations becomes ever more critical to prevent future tragedies.

As more information becomes available, pertinent updates will be shared to keep the public informed about the status of the investigation and any developments regarding the unidentified pilot.