N491WCCOLVIN KITFOX II 1994-12-10 NTSB Accident Report

Substantial
Serious

COLVIN KITFOX II S/N: 281

Summary

On December 10, 1994, a Colvin KITFOX II (N491WC) was involved in an accident near Fort Pierce, FL. The accident resulted in 1 serious injury. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.

The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this accident to be: THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO ABORT THE TAKEOFF WHEN HE ENCOUNTERED WATER ON THE GRASS RUNWAY.

On December 10, 1994, about 1112 eastern standard time, N491WC, a homebuilt Kitfox registered to the pilot Wilbur Colvin, crashed in Fort Pierce, Florida, while on a 14 CFR Part 91 flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed for the local flight. The airplane was substantially damaged and the pilot received serious injuries. The flight was originating at the time of the accident.

The pilot stated he was attempting a takeoff from his front yard when he encountered standing water on the grass runway. The takeoff roll was continued and the airplane struck a fence immediately after becoming airborne. The airplane then cartwheeled into a field.

This accident is documented in NTSB report MIA95LA036. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N491WC.

Accident Details

Date
Saturday, December 10, 1994
NTSB Number
MIA95LA036
Location
FORT PIERCE, FL
Event ID
20001206X02768
Coordinates
26.650449, -80.249137
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
1
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
0
Total Aboard
1

Probable Cause and Findings

THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO ABORT THE TAKEOFF WHEN HE ENCOUNTERED WATER ON THE GRASS RUNWAY.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
COLVIN
Serial Number
281
Model / ICAO
KITFOX II

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
COLVIN WILBUR D
Address
701A SABAL RIDGE CIRCLE
Status
Deregistered
City
PALM BEACH GARDENS
State / Zip Code
FL 33418
Country
United States

Analysis

On December 10, 1994, about 1112 eastern standard time, N491WC, a homebuilt Kitfox registered to the pilot Wilbur Colvin, crashed in Fort Pierce, Florida, while on a 14 CFR Part 91 flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed for the local flight. The airplane was substantially damaged and the pilot received serious injuries. The flight was originating at the time of the accident.

The pilot stated he was attempting a takeoff from his front yard when he encountered standing water on the grass runway. The takeoff roll was continued and the airplane struck a fence immediately after becoming airborne. The airplane then cartwheeled into a field.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# MIA95LA036