Summary
On May 27, 2018, a Eldridge George SKYSTAR KITFOX SER 7 (N103GE) was involved in an incident near Weippe, 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 failure to maintain a proper approach altitude, which resulted in a collision with a fence.
The pilot reported that, during approach, the airplane "caught a sudden down draft", and the tailwheel struck the top of a 5 ft. fence. Subsequently, the airplane nosed over.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing and empennage.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
The automated weather observation system located about 20 nautical miles from the accident site reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was from 190° at 3 knots. The pilot reported that the sky condition was clear, visibility unlimited, temperature 45°F, wind was from 270° at 8 to 10 knots. The pilot landed to the west.
This incident is documented in NTSB report GAA18CA301. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N103GE.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot’s failure to maintain a proper approach altitude, which resulted in a collision with a fence.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
The pilot reported that, during approach, the airplane "caught a sudden down draft", and the tailwheel struck the top of a 5 ft. fence. Subsequently, the airplane nosed over.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing and empennage.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
The automated weather observation system located about 20 nautical miles from the accident site reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was from 190° at 3 knots. The pilot reported that the sky condition was clear, visibility unlimited, temperature 45°F, wind was from 270° at 8 to 10 knots. The pilot landed to the west.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# GAA18CA301