N94HG

Substantial
Serious

GOTTELT HERBERT R KITFOX IV/S/N: GBS039

Accident Details

Date
Saturday, October 17, 2009
NTSB Number
CEN10CA022
Location
Crystal Falls, MI
Event ID
20091019X51539
Coordinates
46.009166, -88.273887
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
1
Minor Injuries
1
Uninjured
0
Total Aboard
2

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's inability to maintain control due to an undetermined problem affecting lateral control of the airplane.

Aircraft Information

Registration
N94HG
Make
GOTTELT HERBERT R
Serial Number
GBS039
Engine Type
None
Year Built
1997
Model / ICAO
KITFOX IV/FK9
No. of Engines
0

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
GOTTELT HERBERT R
Address
1217 WEST GLENN LANE
Status
Deregistered
City
MT PROSPECT
State / Zip Code
IL 60056
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot stated that immediately after liftoff he was unable to move the control stick to the left of the center (neutral) position, although he was able to move the control stick to the right, forward, and aft without restriction. The pilot returned for landing; however, “at about 30 [feet] altitude the aircraft began to stall.” The airplane subsequently landed hard, separating the main landing gear. Both wings and the fuselage structure were substantially damaged during the event. The pilot stated that the accident occurred during the third flight of the day. A postaccident inspection was unable to confirm a restriction at the control stick. Continuity between the cockpit controls and the flight control surfaces was confirmed.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CEN10CA022