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NTSB Report

September 18, 2009 · Bordelon Kitfox IV · N396BK

Dodge Center, MN

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 18, 2009
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Dodge Center, MN
Aircraft
Bordelon Kitfox IV
Tail Number
N396BK
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN09CA592

The pilot performed several maneuvers in the local area during a "phase 1" flight test. The pilot returned to the departure airport where he completed two normal landings and was to perform a third landing. The pilot stated that during the third landing flare, the airplane sink rate was "too fast" and the nosewheel contacted the runway. The airplane then nosed over. The airplane was configured with full flaps. Damage to the airplane included a buckled fuselage and vertical stabilizer, resulting in substantial damage. The pilot stated that engine power should have been applied to control the sink rate. Examination of the accident site revealed a ground scar in a field about 130 feet from the runway threshold or about 30 feet from the runway edge. The ground scar was consistent with the airplane's initial touchdown point. The pilot said that he would usually use an aim point that was about 100 feet past three yellow cones that delineated each side of the threshold.

NTSB Probable Cause

Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Descent/approach/glide path-Not attained/maintained - C

Full Narrative

The pilot performed several maneuvers in the local area during a "phase 1" flight test. The pilot returned to the departure airport where he completed two normal landings on runway 04 (2,340 feet by 200 feet, grass) and was to perform a third landing. The pilot stated that during the third landing flare, the airplane sink rate was "too fast" and the nose wheel contacted the runway. The airplane then nosed over. The airplane was configured with full flaps. Damage to the airplane included a buckled fuselage and vertical stabilizer. The pilot was uninjured. The pilot stated that engine power should have been applied to control the sink rate. Examination of the accident site revealed a ground scar in a field about 130 feet from the runway threshold or about 30 feet from the runway edge. The ground scar was consistent with the airplane's initial touchdown point. The pilot said that he would usually use an aim point that was about 100 feet past three yellow cones that delineated each side of the threshold.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time19:00 CDT
Nearest AirportDodge Center (0nm)
Runway04
Runway Length2340 ft
Runway Width200 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBordelon Kitfox IV
Tail NumberN396BK
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsNsi Aero · Subaru EA-180 · Reciprocating · 110
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 57 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind40° @ 5 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point70 F / 0 C
Altimeter30.10 inHg
Observation Time04:00
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data