Summary
On November 27, 2009, a Nephew Alan H KITFOX (N7824L) was involved in an accident near Agua Caliente Springs, CA. The accident resulted in 1 minor injury, with 1 person uninjured out of 2 aboard. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this accident to be: The pilot's failure to maintain an adequate glide path that ensured obstacle clearance during final approach to land.
The pilot of the experimental airplane reported that he observed the airport windsock during the downwind leg for landing, and determined the winds to be light and variable. He maneuvered the airplane from base to final on an approach path that he deemed suitable for a short field landing. He reported that the airplane encountered a downdraft as he approached within 100 feet of his intended touchdown zone. He attempted recovery by increasing engine power, but the landing gear struck a berm. He then applied full engine power, and the airplane struck a second berm, collided with the ground, and came to rest just beyond the beginning of the runway. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings and the fuselage during the accident sequence.
This accident is documented in NTSB report WPR10CA066. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N7824L.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's failure to maintain an adequate glide path that ensured obstacle clearance during final approach to land.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
The pilot of the experimental airplane reported that he observed the airport windsock during the downwind leg for landing, and determined the winds to be light and variable. He maneuvered the airplane from base to final on an approach path that he deemed suitable for a short field landing. He reported that the airplane encountered a downdraft as he approached within 100 feet of his intended touchdown zone. He attempted recovery by increasing engine power, but the landing gear struck a berm. He then applied full engine power, and the airplane struck a second berm, collided with the ground, and came to rest just beyond the beginning of the runway. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings and the fuselage during the accident sequence. The pilot reported that the airplane and engine had no mechanical failures or malfunctions prior to the accident. He further stated that the accident could have been prevented if he had reviewed the airport guide, which referenced the existence of runway obstructions, and adjusted his landing approach accordingly.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# WPR10CA066