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October 18, 2017 · Thomas G Parkhurst Kitfox IV NO Series · N37TP

Sidney, NY

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 18, 2017
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Location
Sidney, NY
Aircraft
Thomas G Parkhurst Kitfox IV NO Series (2014)
Tail Number
N37TP
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA18CA015

The pilot reported that, during final approach, the airplane was "out of alignment to the left edge of the runway." He decided to add throttle and realign with the runway, but as he reached for the throttle to add power, at that instant, he was "blinded" by sun glare, and he had "no memory of [the] events for approximately 6 seconds" after that point. He added that, just before impact, he saw the ground, but "there was nothing that could be done." The airplane impacted a parking lot in a nose-low, left-wing-down attitude. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, empennage, and both wings. During a telephone conversation with the National Transportation Safety Board investigator-in-charge, the passenger reported that, during landing, the airplane was crabbing to the left but traveling forward. He reported that, before the runway threshold, there was a momentary sun flash that "lit up the plastic windscreen." He further reported that the pilot applied power, pulled back on the control stick, and the airplane "spiraled" and "twisted" left and downward into a parking lot. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. It is likely that the pilot exceeded the airplane's critical angle of attack and then entered an aerodynamic stall/spin.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack following a loss of ground reference during landing in glaring sun conditions, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall/spin.

Full Narrative

The pilot reported that, during final approach, the airplane was "out of alignment to the left edge of the runway." He decided to add throttle and realign with the runway, but as he reached for the throttle to add power, at that instant, he was "blinded" by sun glare and he had "no memory of [the] events for approximately 6 seconds" after that point. He added that, just prior to impact, he saw the ground but "there was nothing that could be done." The airplane impacted an open parking lot in a nose low, left wing down attitude. The airplane sustained substantial damage to fuselage, empennage, and both wings. During a telephone conversation with the National Transportation Safety Board investigator-in-charge, the passenger reported that during landing the airplane was crabbing to the left, but traveling forward. He reported that prior to the runway threshold, there was a momentary sun flash that "lit up the plastic windscreen." He further reported that, the pilot applied power, pulled back on the control stick, and the airplane "spiraled" and "twisted" left and downward into a parking lot. The pilot did not report that there were any preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:15 EDT
Nearest AirportSidney Muni (0nm SE)
Runway25
Runway Length4201 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftThomas G Parkhurst Kitfox IV NO Series
Tail NumberN37TP
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsRotax · 912 · Reciprocating · 80
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor2
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 68 · Sprt · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind220° @ 4 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point63 F / 43 C
Altimeter30.22 inHg
Observation Time21:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data