BOWLES CHRIS KITFOX 5 near Owenton, KY — 2012-06-12

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to attain the proper airspeed during takeoff, and the flight instructor's delayed remedial action, which resulted in a loss of airplane control. Contributing to the accident was the flight instructor's lack of previous experience in the airplane make and model.

NTSB narrative

The pilot, who was the owner of the tail-wheel-equipped airplane, was on an instructional flight to obtain a tailwheel endorsement. The pilot reported that the airplane experienced a sudden gust of wind just after liftoff and that he overcorrected, which caused the airplane to stall and settle back onto the runway. The flight instructor reported that the pilot abruptly pulled back on the control stick when the airplane accelerated to 50 to 55 mph during the takeoff roll. The airplane climbed about 5 feet above the ground and stalled. He assumed control of the airplane; however, it departed the left side of the runway and sustained substantial damage to the firewall and fuselage before it came to rest. After the accident, both pilots reported that the airplane did not experience any mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot reported 372 hours of total flight experience, which included 12 hours in the accident airplane during the 30 days preceding the accident. He further reported that the airplane's takeoff speed should have been 65 mph. The flight instructor had no previous flight experience in the airplane make and model. If he had experience in the airplane make and model, he would have been more familiar with its flying characteristics and been able to anticipate and correct the problem earlier.

Analysis

Primary failure mode

Loss of control

First missed decision gate

Pilot should have maintained control during takeoff instead of overcorrecting.

NTSB coding

• Loss of control in flight · Takeoff
• Loss of Control on Takeoff/Initial Climb
• Delayed Action
• Experience / Qualifications

Evidence available

• Photos
• 4 docket documents

Docket documents4

• Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 (CFI)form
• Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 (Owner)form
• FAA Inspector Statementinterview
• Photograph # 1 - Airplane as it came to rest (Courtesy of FAA)photos

Related mishaps

• CESSNA 170B

  2026-07-10 · Hartwell, GA

• CASSUTT IIIM

  2026-07-05 · Odessa, TX

• CESSNA 172H

  2026-05-25 · Berryville, AR

• COMMANDER AIRCRAFT CO 114TC

  2026-05-23 · Woodruff, WI

• BELL 206-L4

  2026-05-23 · Cedar City, UT

• CESSNA 172S

  2026-05-18 · Harrison, NY