N47186

On December 13, 2005, about 0945 Pacific standard time, an experimental Grafton Rand KR-1, N47186, struck a taxiway light at Gillespie Field, El Cajon, California. The pilot was operating the airplane under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91. The private pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured; the airplane sustained substantial damage. The local flight departed San Diego, California, about 0930, with a planned destination of El Cajon. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed.

In a written statement to the National Transportation Safety Board, the pilot stated that he turned off the runway at an excessive speed. The right wing trip struck a taxiway light, which broke the landing gear lock, and caused the landing gear to retract. This resulted in a broken wood propeller, broken right wheel casting, and damage to the right aileron. After he secured the aircraft, the pilot exited with no injuries.