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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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NTSB Report

October 30, 2007 · Bagnall Harold E Kitfox Lite 2 · N46361

N. Bonneville, WA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 30, 2007
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
N. Bonneville, WA
Aircraft
Bagnall Harold E Kitfox Lite 2
Tail Number
N46361
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX08CA022

The pilot approached an island and spotted a suitable location on the sand to practice emergency landings. He was about 10 feet above the sand when he started his climb to the west. Approaching the end of the island he saw a boat to the southwest, and there was a reflection of the sun on the water restricting his visibility. About 75 feet above ground level, the pilot maneuvered to the right to avoid flying too close to the boat. The pilot felt an indication of a stall and lowered the nose of the airplane. The airplane impacted the Columbia River, shattering the windshield and opening both doors. The airplane sank immediately; the crew egressed and swam ashore. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain an adequate airspeed while maneuvering at low altitude that resulted in a stall-mush condition and collision with the water.

Full Narrative

On October 28, 2007, about 1715 Pacific standard time, an experimental Bagnall Kitfox Lite 2, N46361, impacted the Columbia River 8 nautical miles southwest of North Bonneville, Washington. The owner was operating the airplane under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91. The sport pilot and one passenger were not injured. The airplane was substantially damaged. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed. The local flight departed Sandy River Airport, Sandy, Oregon, about 1640. The approximate global positioning system (GPS) coordinates of the primary wreckage were 45 degrees 35 minutes north latitude and 122 degrees 08 minutes west longitude. The pilot stated in the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, that when he approached Skamania Island, he spotted a suitable location on the sand to practice emergency landings. He was about 10 feet above the sand when he started his climb to the west. Approaching the end of the island he saw a boat to the southwest. The pilot further stated there was a reflection of the sun on the water restricting his visibility. About 75 feet above ground level, the pilot maneuvered to the right to avoid flying too close to the boat. The pilot felt an indication of a stall and lowered the nose of the airplane. The airplane impacted the Columbia River, which shattered the windshield and popped open both doors. The airplane sank immediately; the crew egressed and swam ashore. On October 29, 2007 the airplane was recovered from 30 feet of water. The airplane suffered bent wing spars, destroyed engine cowling, and water damage to the entire airplane. The pilot stated that the airplane and engine had no mechanical failures or malfunctions during the flight.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:15 PDT
Nearest AirportSandy River Airport (8nm)
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo

Aircraft

AircraftBagnall Harold E Kitfox Lite 2
Tail NumberN46361
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsRotax · 503 · Reciprocating · 52
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 54 · None · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point63 F / 41 C
Altimeter30.20 inHg
Observation Time23:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data