Pilot Debrief

SHEAFFER LEROY B KITFOX MODEL IV near Palmyra, PA — 2024-07-19

Final reportERA24LA316
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Date
2024-07-19
Location
Palmyra, PA, USA
Airport
58N
Aircraft
SHEAFFER LEROY B KITFOX MODEL IV
Registration
N788KF
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
1
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control of the tailwheel airplane during takeoff from a narrow runway with a crosswind, which resulted in a runway excursion and collision with terrain.

NTSB narrative

The pilot stated that, during takeoff from a 40-ft-wide runway and just as he lifted the tailwheel off the ground, the airplane immediately turned left and departed the runway. The airplane bounced hard and fractured the right main landing gear, coming to rest upright in a corn field. There was a right crosswind at the time of departure and the right wing lifted as soon as the tailwheel left the ground. During a postaccident examination of the airplane, flight control continuity was established to all flight controls and no preimpact mechanical malfunctions were identified. The right main landing gear was fractured off and the brake line was severed. Both wheels spun freely and the brakes were not seized up.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted takeoff due to crosswind conditions.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 5 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents5

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