Pilot Debrief

Kitfox IV 1200 near FlyingBar Ranch, MO — 2008-05-24

Final reportDEN08CA093
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Date
2008-05-24
Location
FlyingBar Ranch, MO, USA
Airport
m02
Aircraft
Kitfox IV 1200
Registration
N108KX
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's improper decision to takeoff with a quartering tailwind and failure to maintain aircraft control. Contributing to the accident were the gusting tailwind and operating the airplane near maximum gross weight.

NTSB narrative

The private pilot and non-rated passenger were departing the airfield on runway 24. After becoming airborne they encountered several wind gusts. The pilot failed to control the airplane causing the float-equipped airplane to catch one of the floats in the trees at the departure end of the runway. The airplane nosed over and impacted the ground. The pilot was not injured, the passenger received minor injuries, and the airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage frame forward of the cockpit. The pilot stated the airplane was being operated near maximum gross weight and that there was a quartering tailwind with gusts occurring during the takeoff.

NTSB coding

View NTSB final report

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