Pilot Debrief

GOTTELT HERBERT R KITFOX IV/ near Crystal Falls, MI — 2009-10-17

Final reportCEN10CA022
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Date
2009-10-17
Location
Crystal Falls, MI, USA
Airport
50D
Aircraft
GOTTELT HERBERT R KITFOX IV/
Registration
N94HG
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's inability to maintain control due to an undetermined problem affecting lateral control of the airplane.

NTSB narrative

The pilot stated that immediately after liftoff he was unable to move the control stick to the left of the center (neutral) position, although he was able to move the control stick to the right, forward, and aft without restriction. The pilot returned for landing; however, “at about 30 [feet] altitude the aircraft began to stall.” The airplane subsequently landed hard, separating the main landing gear. Both wings and the fuselage structure were substantially damaged during the event. The pilot stated that the accident occurred during the third flight of the day. A postaccident inspection was unable to confirm a restriction at the control stick. Continuity between the cockpit controls and the flight control surfaces was confirmed.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 1 docket document
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents1

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