N90TY – Ferkin Kitfox IV – 2011-01-04 NTSB Accident Report

On January 04, 2011, a Ferkin Kitfox IV (N90TY) was involved in an incident near Homedale, ID. All 1 person aboard were uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.

The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this incident to be: The pilot's inadequate compensation for the snow-covered terrain during the takeoff ground roll, which resulted in a nose-over.

The pilot submitted a written statement. Approximately 15 minutes into the flight, the oil pressure gauge showed no oil pressure. The pilot performed a precautionary landing on a snow-covered hill. He examined the airplane and discovered that the sending wire had disconnected from the oil pressure gauge. He plugged it in and the oil pressure gauge functioned properly. He estimated that the snow cover was 4 inches deep. During the takeoff roll, he raised the tailwheel. The airplane then nosed-over. The pilot stated that he should have used soft-field takeoff techniques due to the snow-covered terrain.

This incident is documented in NTSB report WPR11CA088. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N90TY.