On 12 Dec 2015, a KELM DAVID KITFOX 7 NO SERIES operated by DEFORD, DAVID L. was involved in an aviation accident near Tracy, CA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain pitch control during the landing, which resulted in a hard landing, runway excursion and impact with terrain. This summary draws on records from NTSB.
A pilot reported flaring too high during a touch-and-go landing in a tailwheel airplane, resulting in a hard touchdown. The subsequent abort attempt led the aircraft off the runway, causing substantial damage.
Accident Overview
A pilot reported that while conducting a touch-and-go landing in a tailwheel-equipped airplane, he flared too high and touched down hard. He then attempted to abort the landing, but the airplane departed the runway to the left. The nose of the airplane impacted the ground before the aircraft came to a stop.
Damage
The accident resulted in substantial damage to the airplane's right wing, fuselage, and empennage.
Pilot Report
The pilot stated that there were no pre-impact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.
Conclusion
The incident occurred during a touch-and-go landing maneuver. The pilot's actions and the resulting damage are described in the pilot's report. No further details are available.