N90TY

Substantial
None

Ferkin Kitfox IVS/N: 1510

Accident Details

Date
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
NTSB Number
WPR11CA088
Location
Homedale, ID
Event ID
20110106X15913
Coordinates
43.608761, -116.936050
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
1
Total Aboard
1

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's inadequate compensation for the snow-covered terrain during the takeoff ground roll, which resulted in a nose-over.

Aircraft Information

Registration
N90TY
Make
FERKIN
Serial Number
1510
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Model / ICAO
Kitfox IVBPAT
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1

Analysis

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.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# WPR11CA088