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NTSB Report

November 30, 2019 · Skystar Kitfox IV · N58CD

Williamston, MI

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
November 30, 2019
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Williamston, MI
Aircraft
Skystar Kitfox IV (1992)
Tail Number
N58CD
Operator
N58Cd
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN20CA027

The pilot stated that he landed the airplane on a harvested field in an area that he had walked the day before. When he attempted to take off from a different location than the previous landing, the airplane encountered high wheel resistance due to the soft, wet ground, and he aborted the takeoff. The pilot stated that he had not walked or inspected the area where the takeoff attempt was conducted. While attempting to taxi to the previous landing location, dirt and mud collected on the main landing gear (MLG) between the MLG leg and the tire, which caused the wheel to lock up as if the brakes had been applied. The pilot attempted to reduce engine power, but the airplane slowly nosed over, which resulted in substantial damage to the wings, fuselage, and vertical tail. The pilot reported that there was no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions of the braking system and that the tires stopped rotating due to the dirt and mud between the MLG leg and the tire.

NTSB Probable Cause

Environmental issues-Physical environment-Runway/land/takeoff/taxi surface-Soft surface-Decision related to condition - C

Full Narrative

The private pilot landed the tailwheel equipped airplane on a harvested farm field near his father's house. He said that the landing was made to an area that he had walked the day before. When he attempted to takeoff, in a different location than the previous landing, he encountered high wheel resistance due to the soft wet ground and aborted the takeoff. The pilot stated that he had not walked or inspected the area where this takeoff attempt was conducted. While attempting to taxi to the previous landing location, dirt and mud collected on the landing gear between the main landing gear leg and the tire causing the wheel to lock up as if the brakes had been applied. The pilot attempted to reduce engine power but the airplane slowly nosed over resulting in damage to the wings, fuselage, and vertical tail. In a telephone conversation the pilot he confirmed that there was no mechanical failure of the braking system and that the tires stopped rotating due to the dirt and mud between the gear leg and the tire/wheel.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:00 EST
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftSkystar Kitfox IV
Tail NumberN58CD
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorN58Cd
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsRotax · 582UL · Reciprocating · 65
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 47 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind90° @ 8 kt, gusting 14 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingOvercast 1300 ft
Temperature / Dew Point36 C / 30 C
Altimeter30.02 inHg
Observation Time15:55
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data