No fatalities

4 Sep 2017: JEFF JARDINE KITFOX S7 SUPERSPORT NO SERIES — Kanab, UT

Kanab, UT, United States
SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 1778583330Data APIEditorial standards

During touchdown, the airplane veered left. The pilot initiated a go-around but the airplane drifted left, sank due to insufficient airspeed, and settled into brush, resulting in substantial damage to the left wing.

Accident Narrative

According to the pilot's report, following a local flight, the airplane veered to the left during touchdown. The pilot applied full power to execute a go-around. The airplane became airborne but drifted left over brush. The pilot noted that the airplane "did not have enough airspeed to maintain flight" and began to sink. Subsequently, the airplane settled into brush approximately 50 feet to the left of the runway. During the descent, the left wing struck the ground, and the airplane spun 180 degrees before coming to a stop.

Damage

The left wing and aileron sustained substantial damage. The pilot did not report any preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Weather Conditions

An automated weather observation station located 23 nautical miles southwest of the accident site reported conditions around the time of the accident: wind from 320° at 12 knots, gusting to 15 knots; temperature 100°F (38°C); dewpoint 41°F (5°C); and barometric pressure 30.15 inHg. The calculated density altitude was 8,352 feet. According to the Federal Aviation Administration density altitude Koch Chart, the airplane would have likely experienced a 72% decrease in its normal climb rate.

Contributing factors

Causes

PilotDirectional control — Not attained/maintained

Other contributing factors

Climb rate — Not attained/maintainedEffect on equipment