Pilot Debrief

Ferkin Kitfox IV near Homedale, ID — 2011-01-04

Final reportWPR11CA088
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Date
2011-01-04
Location
Homedale, ID, USA
Aircraft
Ferkin Kitfox IV
Registration
N90TY
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's inadequate compensation for the snow-covered terrain during the takeoff ground roll, which resulted in a nose-over.

NTSB narrative

Approximately 15 minutes into the flight, the oil pressure gauge indicated no oil pressure. The pilot performed a precautionary landing on a snow-covered hill. He examined the airplane and discovered that the sending wire had disconnected from the oil pressure gauge. He plugged it in and the oil pressure gauge functioned properly. He estimated that the snow cover was 4 inches deep. During the takeoff roll, he raised the tailwheel and the airplane nosed over. The pilot stated that he should have used soft-field takeoff techniques due to the snow-covered terrain.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 1 docket document
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents1

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