Nephew Alan H KITFOX N7824L

Summary

On 27 November 2009 at about 17:00 local time, a Nephew Alan H KITFOX registered N7824L was involved in an accident near Agua Caliente Springs, California, United States. 2 people were on board and one had minor injuries. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

27 November 2009 at 17:00

Classification

Accident

Location

Agua Caliente Springs, California, United States

Nearest airport

Agua Caliente Springs (L54)

Coordinates

32.9556, -116.2947

Aircraft

Nephew Alan H KITFOX

Registration

N7824L

Category

Airplane

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

El Cajon → Agua Caliente Springs

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

WPR10CA066

1 person had minor injuries.

The pilot's failure to maintain an adequate glide path that ensured obstacle clearance during final approach to land.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

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.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.