Pilot Debrief

Polit Kitfox Ser 5 Outback near Apple Valley, CA — 2009-05-23

Final reportWPR09LA264
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Date
2009-05-23
Location
Apple Valley, CA, USA
Airport
APV
Aircraft
Polit Kitfox Ser 5 Outback
Registration
N781VP
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
1
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

The pilot's loss of aircraft control for undetermined reasons while maneuvering at low altitude.

NTSB narrative

Witnesses observed the accident airplane flying low, about 200 to 300 feet above the ground, when it banked sharply to the left, stalled, and then began to spin prior to impacting the ground. Due to the airplane damage, Federal Aviation Administration inspectors who responded to the accident site were not able to determine if there were any mechanical problems prior to impact. According to a pilot/mechanic who performed the annual inspection on the airplane about a month prior to the accident, he had several conversations with the accident pilot regarding the pilot's unease about flying alone since he had not flown the airplane for some time. The pilot's spouse reported that she knew of no known medical problems with her husband. She also said that he had not flown the airplane since the last annual inspection.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have chosen not to fly alone due to lack of recent experience.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 3 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents3

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