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NTSB Report
December 10, 1994 · Colvin Kitfox II · N491WC
Fort Pierce, FL
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
December 10, 1994
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury)
Location
Fort Pierce, FL
Aircraft
Colvin Kitfox II
Tail Number
N491WC
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
MIA95LA036
THE PILOT ATTEMPTED TO TAKEOFF IN A HOMEBUILT AIRPLANE FROM A FIELD IN FRONT OF A HOUSE. DURING THE TAKEOFF ROLL THE AIRPLANE DID NOT ACCELERATE ADEQUATELY AND HIT A FENCE AND CARTWHEELED INTO TREES. EXAMINATION OF THE FIELD SHORTLY AFTER THE ACCIDENT REVEALED THE FIELD WAS WET AND THERE WERE AREAS OF STANDING WATER.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO ABORT THE TAKEOFF WHEN HE ENCOUNTERED WATER ON THE GRASS RUNWAY.
Full Narrative
On December 10, 1994, about 1112 eastern standard time, N491WC, a homebuilt Kitfox registered to the pilot Wilbur Colvin, crashed in Fort Pierce, Florida, while on a 14 CFR Part 91 flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed for the local flight. The airplane was substantially damaged and the pilot received serious injuries. The flight was originating at the time of the accident. The pilot stated he was attempting a takeoff from his front yard when he encountered standing water on the grass runway. The takeoff roll was continued and the airplane struck a fence immediately after becoming airborne. The airplane then cartwheeled into a field.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:12 EST
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway33
Runway Length500 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftColvin Kitfox II
Tail NumberN491WC
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsRotax · 582-LC · Reciprocating · 64
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 64 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind140° @ 11 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time15:54
Weather SourceWFAC