Pilot Debrief

MORSE, FRANK L. KITFOX near Crawford, CO — 2009-08-16

Final reportCEN09CA528
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Date
2009-08-16
Location
Crawford, CO, USA
Airport
99V
Aircraft
MORSE, FRANK L. KITFOX
Registration
N39FM
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's continued flight into a severe downdraft at low altitude after encountering tailwind over the area.

NTSB narrative

The pilot was conducting aerial observation of his pipeline head gate to check for debris. He overflew the area at 150 feet above ground level (agl) and "observed a light tailwind and no downdraft." He performed a left 360 degree turn and flew over the area a second time between 50 and 60 feet agl. The airplane encountered a "severe downdraft" and settled into terrain. The right wing spar was broken in the impact, as was the right main landing gear and nosewheel. The propeller was destroyed. The pilot reported no mechanical anomalies with the airplane.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 1 docket document
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents1

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