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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

July 29, 1994 · Miller Kitfox · N4268Y

Spencer, IN

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 29, 1994
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Spencer, IN
Aircraft
Miller Kitfox
Tail Number
N4268Y
Operator
Miller Richard B
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI94LA270

THE 76-YEAR-OLD PILOT/AIRPLANE BUILDER REPORTED HE WAS TOO LOW ON FINAL APPROACH FOR HIS GRASS AIRSTRIP, AND MADE 'INSUFFICIENT CORRECTION.' THE AIRPLANE STRUCK A TREE AND DESCENDED TO THE GROUND IN AN AREA OF SMALL TREES. THE PILOT STATED THE AIRPLANE HAD A BLIND SPOT DUE TO THE POSITION OF THE NOSE IN THE APPROACH CONFIGURATION. HE DID NOT SEE THE TREE IN TIME TO AVOID IT. THE PILOT REPORTED HE HAD RECENTLY REMOVED SEVERAL TREES IN AN ATTEMPT TO REDUCE OBSTACLES ALONG THE APPROACH PATH TO THE 2,000 FOOT LONG GRASS STRIP.

NTSB Probable Cause

the private pilot/airplane builder's failure to maintain adequate clearance from obstacles during the approach to landing.

Full Narrative

On July 29, 1994, at 1710 central daylight time, a Miller Kitfox, N4268Y, piloted by the registered owner/builder, sustained substantial damage when it impacted trees while on final approach to the pilot's grass airstrip (Timber Trails Airport) in Spencer, Indiana. The 76 year-old private pilot, the sole occupant, reported no injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local flight, no flight plan was filed. The flight operated under 14 CFR Part 91, and originated from Spencer, Indiana, approximately 1700. The pilot reported he realized he was too low during the landing approach to Runway 36. He stated he "...added power to correct, [then] reduced power, suddenly observed tree and collided...insufficient correction." The right wing tip struck the tree and the airplane descended to the ground in an area of small trees. The pilot stated the airplane came to rest in the trees "...suspended, nose 45 degrees down, right wing 45 degrees down..." about 3 feet off the ground. He exited the airplane through the left door, "...climbed down landing gear, walked away." The pilot stated he had accumulated 475 hours total flight time since his first flight in 1947. He reported 33 hours in the accident make and model airplane, including 10 hours in the preceding 90 days. The pilot indicated the homebuilt airplane had a "blind area [at the one o'clock to two o'clock position] in approach condition due to aircraft nose." He stated he had recently removed several trees in an attempt to reduce the obstacles along the approach path for the 2,000 foot long grass runway.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time18:10 EDT
Nearest AirportTimber Trails (1nm S)
Runway36
Runway Length2000 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftMiller Kitfox
Tail NumberN4268Y
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorMiller Richard B
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsRotax · 532 · Reciprocating · 64
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 76 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind360° @ 5 kt
Visibility5 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data