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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

March 14, 1996 · Kitfox IV-1200 · N32495

Saluda, VA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 14, 1996
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury), 1 uninjured
Location
Saluda, VA
Aircraft
Kitfox IV-1200
Tail Number
N32495
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
IAD96LA049

The pilot stated that there was a partial loss of engine power shortly after the airplane lifted off. The airplane would not climb, so he elected to land on the remaining runway. In his attempt to avoid lights at the end of the runway, the pilot stalled the airplane approximately ten feet above the surface. The airplane impacted the runway in a steep nose down attitude, then '...rolled over onto it's back.' Postaccident investigation revealed that the #1 spark plug failed an electrical function test. The pilot stated that the spark plug operated normally under low load conditions, but '...[stopped] under full load.'

NTSB Probable Cause

a partial loss of engine power due to spark plug failure, and the pilot's evasive maneuver to avoid lights at the end of the runway.

Full Narrative

On March 14, 1996, at 1615 eastern standard time, a Kitfox IV-1200, N32495, impacted the runway shortly after takeoff at Hummel Field, in Saluda, Virginia. The certificated private pilot reported no injuries, and the one passenger received minor injuries. The airplane sustained substantial damage. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident, no flight plan was filed. The local flight was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. The pilot stated that as the airplane climbed through about 50 feet above the ground after takeoff, there was a partial loss of engine power. He stated that the airplane would not climb, so he elected to land on the remaining runway. The pilot reported that he knew that the airplane would touch down very near the end of the runway, and he was concerned about hitting the lights at the end of the runway. He stated that in his attempt to avoid the lights at the end of the runway, he "...ran out of airspeed... ." He reported that the airplane stalled at approximately ten feet above the surface, impacted the runway in a steep nose down attitude, then "...rolled over onto it's back." A post accident inspection of the aircraft by Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) safety inspectors included an electrical function test under compression load for each of the four engine spark plugs. The number one spark plug in the number one cylinder failed this test. No other mechanical anomalies were noted. The pilot's written statement indicated that the spark plug operated normally under low load conditions, but "...[stopped] under full load. [This] was not detected on run up or liftoff."

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:15 EST
Nearest AirportHummel Field (0nm)
Runway18
Runway Length2200 ft
Runway Width45 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftKitfox IV-1200
Tail NumberN32495
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsRotax · LC-582 · Reciprocating · 65
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury), 1 uninjured
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured1
Total2
Crew 1Age 54 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind220° @ 9 kt
Visibility7 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point27 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time20:47
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data