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February 11, 2018 · Oliver Lawrence R Kitfox IV 1200 IV · N76478

Carson City, NV

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
February 11, 2018
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Carson City, NV
Aircraft
Oliver Lawrence R Kitfox IV 1200 IV (1995)
Tail Number
N76478
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA18CA123

The pilot receiving instruction in the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that he taxied to a runway for takeoff and then realized that the wind favored the opposite runway. He taxied to the opposite runway, performed a run-up, and discussed the takeoff and traffic pattern procedures with the flight instructor. After takeoff and completing a circuit in the pattern, while on final approach in gusting wind conditions, the flight instructor took the flight controls to correct the airplane's alignment with the runway. The pilot receiving instruction added that the flight instructor corrected the alignment and landed the airplane. After landing, a wind gust pushed the airplane to the right, and the airplane exited the runway and impacted sagebrush. The flight instructor reported that, before the flight, he told the pilot receiving instruction that it was "not a flying day" and suggested practicing wind correction during taxi. He added that they decided to taxi down the runway to the first turnoff, but the pilot receiving instruction applied takeoff power and, he did not know why. He added that the airplane became airborne and that he took control during final, landing, and the landing roll but was not able to maintain directional control. He applied full power to go around but "chose to wheel land in the small sagebrush" instead. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage. The pilot receiving instruction reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The automated weather observation station located on the airport reported that, about 5 minutes before the accident, the wind was from 210° at 9 knots, gusting to 26 knots. The airplane landed on runway 27.

NTSB Probable Cause

The flight instructor’s failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll and lateral control during the go-around in gusting crosswind conditions. Contributing to the accident was the lack of communication between the flight instructor and the pilot receiving instruction.

Full Narrative

The student pilot in the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that he taxied to a runway for takeoff, then realized the wind favored the opposite runway. He taxied to the opposite runway, performed a runup, and discussed the takeoff and traffic pattern procedures with the flight instructor. After takeoff, and having completed a circuit in the pattern, while on final approach in gusting wind conditions, the flight instructor took the flight controls to correct the airplane's alignment with the runway. He added that the flight instructor corrected the alignment and landed the airplane. After landing, a wind gust pushed the airplane to the right, and the airplane exited the runway and impacted sagebrush. The flight instructor reported that, prior to the flight, he told the pilot receiving instruction that it was "not a flying day" and suggested practicing wind correction during taxi. He added that, they decided to taxi down the runway to the first turnoff, but the student pilot applied takeoff power and that he did not know why. He added that the airplane became airborne, and that he took control during final, landing, and, during the landing roll, but was not able to maintain directional control. He applied full power to go around, but "chose to wheel land in the small sagebrush" instead. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage. The pilot receiving instruction reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. A review of recorded data from the automated weather observation station located on the airport reported that, about 5 minutes before the accident, the wind was from 210° at 9 knots, gusting 26 knots. The airplane landed on runway 27.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:40 PST
Nearest AirportCARSON (0nm E)
Runway27
Runway Length6101 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftOliver Lawrence R Kitfox IV 1200 IV
Tail NumberN76478
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsRotax · 912UL · Reciprocating · 80
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 37 · Third Class · None
Crew 2Age 77 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind210° @ 9 kt, gusting 26 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point55 / 14 C
Altimeter29.75 inHg
Observation Time20:35
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data