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Pitts Pilot Lands Propless Plane at Congested Airport

Spencer Suderman stands next to the PItts S-1C, which lost its propeller in flight near Whiteman Airport. Courtesy Spencer Suderman
Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • Aerobatic performer Spencer Suderman experienced a critical emergency when his propeller detached from his Pitts S-1C biplane at 7,500 feet over the San Fernando Valley.
  • Despite the aircraft's challenging glide ratio, Suderman demonstrated exceptional piloting skills to execute a safe emergency landing at Whiteman Airport.
  • His extensive experience as an aerobatic pilot and Guinness World Record holder for inverted spins likely contributed to his calm and successful handling of the unexpected power failure.
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Aerobatic performer Spencer Suderman got a nasty surprise this weekend as he was flying over the San Fernando Valley, one of the most congested parts of the Los Angeles metropolitan area. Suderman was cruising at 7,500 feet on his way to Yuma, Arizona, when his propeller suddenly departed the Pitts S-1C biplane he was flying.

Pia Bergqvist

Pia Bergqvist joined FLYING in December 2010. A passionate aviator, Pia started flying in 1999 and quickly obtained her single- and multi-engine commercial, instrument and instructor ratings. After a decade of working in general aviation, Pia has accumulated almost 3,000 hours of flight time in nearly 40 different types of aircraft.

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