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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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July 19, 2024 · Sheaffer Leroy B Kitfox Model IV · N788KF

Palmyra, PA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 19, 2024
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (1 fatality, 1 minor injury)
Location
Palmyra, PA
Aircraft
Sheaffer Leroy B Kitfox Model IV (2010)
Tail Number
N788KF
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA24LA316

The pilot stated that, during takeoff from a 40-ft-wide runway and just as he lifted the tailwheel off the ground, the airplane immediately turned left and departed the runway. The airplane bounced hard and fractured the right main landing gear, coming to rest upright in a corn field. There was a right crosswind at the time of departure and the right wing lifted as soon as the tailwheel left the ground. During a postaccident examination of the airplane, flight control continuity was established to all flight controls and no preimpact mechanical malfunctions were identified. The right main landing gear was fractured off and the brake line was severed. Both wheels spun freely and the brakes were not seized up.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control of the tailwheel airplane during takeoff from a narrow runway with a crosswind, which resulted in a runway excursion and collision with terrain.

Full Narrative

On July 19, 2024, about 1430 eastern daylight time, an experimental, amateur-built Kitfox Model IV, N788KF, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Palmyra, Pennsylvania. The pilot incurred minor injuries, and the pilot-rated passenger was fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The pilot was taking off from runway 31, a 40-ft-wide asphalt runway. He reported that just as he lifted the tailwheel off the ground the airplane immediately turned hard left and departed the side of the runway. The airplane bounced hard and fractured the right main landing gear before coming to rest upright in a corn field. The pilot stated that there was a right crosswind at the time of departure, and the passenger had commented that the right wing lifted as soon as the tailwheel came off the ground. Examination of the wreckage by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed substantial damage to the fuselage, empennage, and left wing. Flight control continuity was established to all flight controls. The right main landing gear was fractured off the strut and the brake line was severed. The left main landing gear was intact. Both wheels spun freely, and the brakes were not seized up. The inspector reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:30 EDT
Nearest AirportReigle Fld (0nm N)
Runway31
Runway Length1955 ft
Runway Width40 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftSheaffer Leroy B Kitfox Model IV
Tail NumberN788KF
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsRotax · 912ULS · Reciprocating · 100
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (1 fatality, 1 minor injury)
Fatal1
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 68 · Sprt · Minor
Crew 2Age 80 · Unknown · Fatal

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind260° @ 7 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point50 F
Altimeter30.11 inHg
Observation Time14:55
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data