Pilot Debrief

RODERICK JAMES WILLMORE KITFOX S7 SUPERSPORT near Kilgore, ID — 2025-10-18

Final reportWPR26LA029
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Date
2025-10-18
Location
Kilgore, ID, USA
Aircraft
RODERICK JAMES WILLMORE KITFOX S7 SUPERSPORT
Registration
N98RW
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff. Contributing to the accident was the separation of the control stick grip.

NTSB narrative

The pilot of the tailwheel equipped airplane reported that, during the takeoff roll on a dirt road, he realized he had not reset the pitch trim until he was applying control inputs to lift the tail up. As he applied back-pressure to the control stick to get the airplane airborne, the control stick grip slipped off, and he lost control of the airplane. The airplane then veered to the right, and despite his attempts, he was unable to regain control of the airplane. Subsequently, the airplane exited the road surface, and the left wing impacted the ground, which resulted in substantial damage to the left wing. The pilot reported that there were no additional preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents3

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