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NTSB Report

November 4, 2023 · Kitfox S5 · N88VJ

Ririe, ID

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
November 4, 2023
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Ririe, ID
Aircraft
Kitfox S5 (2002)
Tail Number
N88VJ
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
WPR24LA027

The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane intended to spend the day practicing takeoffs and landings at multiple remote backcountry sites with a group of three other similar airplanes. He practiced at the original departure airport before the other group arrived and reported that those flights were nominal. The group then departed for the first intended destination, which was a flat landing site surrounded by tall grass and brush. Those landings were uneventful, so the group decided to proceed to another close landing spot. This landing area appeared wider and flatter than the previous, however the grass was taller and thicker, such that the ground was obscured. The first airplane landed uneventfully, and the accident pilot decided that rather than landing he would perform a touch-and-go, with the wheels touching the grass so he could assess the conditions. As the pilot began to flare the airplane, he decided that it was safe to proceed with a full-stop landing. As the wheels touched the ground, it became apparent that the surface was much rougher than he anticipated, and the airplane bounced after the main wheels touched two large rocks 200 ft into the ground roll. The pilot retracted the flaperons and as the airplane decelerated the nose began to drop, even though he was holding the control stick full aft. The pilot stated that he was likely inadvertently applying brake pressure as he pushed against the rudder pedals to pull back further on the control stick, and that this may have exacerbated the pitch down motion. The airplane then nosed over. The airplane came to rest inverted and sustained substantial damage to both wing struts and multiple wing ribs.

NTSB Probable Cause

Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Surface speed/braking-Incorrect use/operation

Full Narrative

The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane intended to spend the day practicing takeoffs and landings at multiple remote backcountry sites with a group of three other similar airplanes. He practiced at the original departure airport before the other group arrived and reported that those flights were nominal. The group then departed for the first intended destination, which was a flat landing site surrounded by tall grass and brush. Those landings were uneventful, so the group decided to proceed to another close landing spot. This landing area appeared wider and flatter than the previous, however the grass was taller and thicker, such that the ground was obscured. The first airplane landed uneventfully, and the accident pilot decided that rather than landing he would perform a touch-and-go, with the wheels touching the grass so he could assess the conditions. As the pilot began to flare the airplane, he decided that it was safe to proceed with a full-stop landing. As the wheels touched the ground, it became apparent that the surface was much rougher than he anticipated, and the airplane bounced after the main wheels touched two large rocks 200 ft into the ground roll. The pilot retracted the flaperons and as the airplane decelerated the nose began to drop, even though he was holding the control stick full aft. The pilot stated that he was likely inadvertently applying brake pressure as he pushed against the rudder pedals to pull back further on the control stick, and that this may have exacerbated the pitch down motion. The airplane then nosed over. The airplane came to rest inverted and sustained substantial damage to both wing struts and multiple wing ribs.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:00 MDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftKitfox S5
Tail NumberN88VJ
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-235-L2C · Reciprocating · 118
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 55 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point52 F / 39 F
Altimeter30.20 inHg
Observation Time13:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data