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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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October 27, 2010 · Donegan Benton Kitfox II · N8700T

Seguin, TX

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 27, 2010
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 fatality)
Location
Seguin, TX
Aircraft
Donegan Benton Kitfox II
Tail Number
N8700T
Operator
James L Best
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN11LA041

Witnesses observed the airplane climb after takeoff. While still at a low altitude, the airplane was seen to bank to the right, enter a spin, and impact the ground in a near vertical attitude. Witnesses who responded to the scene reported smelling fuel but did not see any fuel dripping from the wreckage. The fuel lines, fuel filter, and fuel bowl were examined and no fuel was found. The lack of fuel combined with no evidence of propeller rotation during impact is consistent with a loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s failure to ensure adequate fuel on board and subsequent failure to maintain airplane control following an engine failure due to fuel exhaustion.

Full Narrative

HISTORY OF FLIGHT On October 27, 2010, about 1600 central daylight time, a Donegan Benton Kitfox II experimental airplane, N8700T, was substantially damaged after impacting terrain while departing Elm Creek Airpark (0TX6), Seguin, Texas. The private pilot was fatally injured. The local flight was being conducted under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 without a flight plan. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. A witness observed the airplane climb out after takeoff. While still at a low altitude, just over a set of power lines, the airplane was seen to bank to the right, enter a spin, and impact the ground near vertical. The witness responded to the scene and reported smelling fuel, but did not see any fuel dripping from the wreckage. PERSONNEL INFORMATION The pilot, age 69, held a private pilot certificate with a rating for airplane single-engine land. His last third class medical certificate was issued on October 16, 2006. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported the pilot had approximately 2,200 total flight hours. The pilot’s flight logbooks were not located during the investigation. AIRCRAFT INFORMATION The homebuilt airplane was of a high wing, two-seat, tailwheel configuration with steel frame and fabric construction. The airplane was powered by a Rotax 582UL two-cycle engine rated at 65 horsepower, driving a GCS Systems N750 three-bladed propeller. METEOROLOGICAL INFORMATION Weather observations at 1551 at New Braunfels (KBAZ), Texas, about 15 miles northwest of the accident site, recorded winds calm, clear skies, visibility seven miles, temperature 88 degrees Fahrenheit (F), and dew point 65 degrees F. WRECKAGE AND IMPACT INFORMATION The airplane was examined on scene by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector. He reported both wings were damaged, the landing gear were crushed, and the fuselage was twisted. One propeller blade was damaged and folded under the wreckage. The remaining two blades were undamaged and there was no evidence of rotational impact damage found on the propeller assembly. The engine was pushed back and to the airplane’s right. The fuel lines, gascolator fuel filter, and carburetor bowl were examined and no fuel was found. MEDICAL AND PATHOLOGICAL INFORMATION Central Texas Autopsy, PLLC, located in Lockhart, Texas, performed an autopsy on the pilot on October 29, 2010. The cause of death was attributed to multiple traumatic injuries. The FAA, Toxicology Accident Research Laboratory, located in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, conducted toxicological testing on the pilot. Testing for carbon monoxide and cyanide were negative. No volatiles or drugs were detected.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:00 CDT
Nearest AirportElm Creek Airpark (1nm)
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo

Aircraft

AircraftDonegan Benton Kitfox II
Tail NumberN8700T
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorJames L Best
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsRotax · 582UL · Reciprocating
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 fatality)
Fatal1
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 69 · Third Class · Fatal

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point64 F
Altimeter29.87 inHg
Observation Time20:51
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data