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June 19, 1994 · Bourque Experimental Kitfox · N528AB

Chester, CT

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 19, 1994
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Chester, CT
Aircraft
Bourque Experimental Kitfox
Tail Number
N528AB
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
IAD94LA109

During the takeoff roll, the tailwheel lifted off and settled back onto the runway. This happened a second time, and then the airplane veered to the right and collided with a hangar. Postaccident examination revealed the tailwheel assembly was fractured; however, it could not be determined if it was fractured prior to impact or as a result of overload when the main gear collapsed. The FAA Inspector stated: '...[The pilot] stated he felt the aircraft was airborne. His best recollection of the airspeed was about 20 knots. [The pilot] said the book calls for about 27 knots at rotation... .'

NTSB Probable Cause

The fracture of the tailwheel assembly for undetermined reasons during the takeoff roll, and the subsequent loss of directional control and collision with a hangar.

Full Narrative

History of Flight On June 19, 1994 about 1055 eastern standard time, an experimental Kitfox II, N528AB collided with a hangar on takeoff at Chester Airport, Chester, Connecticut. The certificated private pilot was not injured and the airplane was substantially damaged. The personal flight was being operated by the pilot/owner. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. There was no flight plan for the flight being conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. In the NTSB Form 6120.1/2, the pilot stated, I was conducting high speed taxi test on runway 35, when the tailwheel holding bracket broke, causing tailwheel to move abruptly to the right, and moving rudder to right, causing aircraft to leave runway, cross grass strip on the right, fly off a 10-foot high earth bank, and on to a hangar door, which stopped the airplane. The pilot reported the failure of the tailwheel assembly occurred at the weld that attaches the tailwheel spring and fuselage. The FAA Inspector stated in his report: ...The right main gear was ripped off, and the left main had collapsed. There was substantial damage to both wings...All this aircraft damage seemed consistent with impact. Additionally, I found the tailwheel spring shackle broken. It could not be determined if it was broken prior to impact or if it broke due to an overload when the main gear collapsed. The bottom of the rudder was wrinkled, as if the tailwheel assembly bounced up and struck it. I interviewed the pilot at the scene...[The pilot] stated that he had made the first flight in the aircraft the day before and was intending this, his second flight to be about 2 hours. It would be the first time he had flown the aircraft with full fuel tanks. He taxied out to runway 35 and performed the runup. He said everything appeared normal. He said the wind was down the runway at about 10 knots. After he applied power, he said he felt the tail raise off the runway and settle back down. He said when it came up the second time, he was about 500 [to] 600 feet down the runway. The aircraft veered to the right and ...the left wing came up. He stated it felt like a 45 degree bank to the right. He stated he felt the aircraft was airborne. His best recollection of the airspeed was about 20 knots... .

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:55 EDT
Nearest AirportCHESTER (0nm)
Runway35
Runway Length2566 ft
Runway Width50 ft
Flight Plan FiledUnknown
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBourque Experimental Kitfox
Tail NumberN528AB
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsRotax · 582LC · Reciprocating · 65
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 62 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind230° @ 6 kt
Visibility7 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time15:45
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data