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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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November 27, 2009 · Nephew Alan H Kitfox · N7824L

Agua Caliente Springs, CA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
November 27, 2009
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury), 1 uninjured
Location
Agua Caliente Springs, CA
Aircraft
Nephew Alan H Kitfox
Tail Number
N7824L
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
WPR10CA066

The pilot of the experimental airplane reported that he observed the airport windsock during the downwind leg for landing, and determined the winds to be light and variable. He maneuvered the airplane from base to final on an approach path that he deemed suitable for a short field landing. He reported that the airplane encountered a downdraft as he approached within 100 feet of his intended touchdown zone. He attempted recovery by increasing engine power, but the landing gear struck a berm. He then applied full engine power, and the airplane struck a second berm, collided with the ground, and came to rest just beyond the beginning of the runway. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings and the fuselage during the accident sequence. The pilot reported that the airplane and engine had no mechanical failures or malfunctions prior to the accident. He further stated that the accident could have been prevented if he had reviewed the airport guide, which referenced the existence of runway obstructions, and adjusted his landing approach accordingly.

NTSB Probable Cause

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

Full Narrative

The pilot of the experimental airplane reported that he observed the airport windsock during the downwind leg for landing, and determined the winds to be light and variable. He maneuvered the airplane from base to final on an approach path that he deemed suitable for a short field landing. He reported that the airplane encountered a downdraft as he approached within 100 feet of his intended touchdown zone. He attempted recovery by increasing engine power, but the landing gear struck a berm. He then applied full engine power, and the airplane struck a second berm, collided with the ground, and came to rest just beyond the beginning of the runway. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings and the fuselage during the accident sequence. The pilot reported that the airplane and engine had no mechanical failures or malfunctions prior to the accident. He further stated that the accident could have been prevented if he had reviewed the airport guide, which referenced the existence of runway obstructions, and adjusted his landing approach accordingly.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time09:00 PST
Nearest AirportAgua Caliente Springs (1nm)
Runway11
Runway Length2500 ft
Runway Width60 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftNephew Alan H Kitfox
Tail NumberN7824L
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsRotax · 912ULS · Reciprocating · 100
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury), 1 uninjured
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured1
Total2
Crew 1Age 62 · Third Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point66 F / 18 C
Altimeter30.04 inHg
Observation Time16:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data