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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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NTSB Report

November 13, 2002 · Larson Kitfox III · N5278U

Little Rock, AR

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
November 13, 2002
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury)
Location
Little Rock, AR
Aircraft
Larson Kitfox III
Tail Number
N5278U
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
FTW03LA039

While the pilot taxied the airplane at the private grass airstrip, the homebuilt airplane inadvertently became airborne. After becoming airborne, "apparently due to a gust of wind," the airplane "appeared to be flying just above the stall speed" approximately 100-200 feet agl. Beyond the east end of the departure runway, the airplane circled left and then back toward the runway. As the airplane flew over the tree line adjacent to the runway, the "wing stalled and the airplane spun " to the ground. The 3,500 hour pilot had zero flight time in the make and model of the accident airplane. Flight control continuity was confirmed. No pre-impact discrepancies were found.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during an intentional taxi resulting in the inadvertent lift-off of the airplane and subsequent inadvertent stall. Contributing factors were the pilot's lack of total experience in the make and model of aircraft, and the wind.

Full Narrative

On November 13, 2002, at 1630 central standard time, a Larson Kitfox III, experimental homebuilt airplane, N5278U, impacted the terrain northwest of the east runway following a loss of control during an inadvertent takeoff from a private grass airstrip near Little Rock, Arkansas. The airplane was owned and operated by a private individual under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. The private pilot, sole occupant of the airplane, received serious injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a flight plan was not filed. The personal flight originated at the time of the accident. On the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2) the operator reported that the pilot wanted to taxi the tailwheel-equipped airplane. After becoming airborne, "apparently due to a gust of wind," the airplane "appeared to be flying just above the stall speed" approximately 100-200 feet agl. Beyond the east end of the departure runway, the airplane circled left and then back toward the runway. As the airplane flew over the tree line adjacent to the runway, the "wing stalled and the airplane spun " to the ground. Witnesses called 911. Witnesses and local authorities responded to the scene. The FAA inspector, who responded to the accident site, confirmed flight control continuity. Physical evidence of fuel was found in the area of the accident site. The outboard portion of the right wing and the cockpit was destroyed. No pre-impact discrepancies were found. The private pilot had accumulated 3,500 hours total flight time with zero flight time in the make and model of the accident airplane. An FAA experimental airworthiness certificate was issued for the airplane in 1994. On February 4, 2001, the last annual inspection was performed at an accumulate aircraft time of 83.0 hours. The airplane had flown 14.9 hours since the inspection. The airplane was powered by a 64 horsepower Rotax 582 LC engine. On the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2) the operator reported the wind from the southwest at 5-10 knots. At 1553, the local weather observation facility at Little Rock (LIT) reported the wind from 190 degrees at 6 knots, visibility 10 statute miles, clouds few at 25,000 feet, temperature 18 degrees Celsius, dew point 03 degrees Celsius, and the altimeter setting 30.22 inches of Mercury.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:30 CST
Nearest AirportPumpkin Patch (0nm)
Runway27
Runway Length2500 ft
Runway Width50 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftLarson Kitfox III
Tail NumberN5278U
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
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 46 · Third Class · Serious

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind190° @ 6 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point64 F / 37 C
Altimeter30.21 inHg
Observation Time21:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data