# NTSB ANC87DAG03: Denney FOX 1, N4987, Palmer, AK, June 17, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Final report
- Date: June 17, 1987, 11:30 local (19:30 UTC)
- Place: Palmer, AK
- Coordinates: 61.619773, -148.980682 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=61.6198&lon=-148.9807&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report July 5, 1988
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB office: Alaska Regional Office
- NTSB case key (mKey): 4761
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ANC87DAG03
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/4761/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC87DAG03

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, landing - roll
  - terrain condition - ditch (cause)
  - in-flight planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - terrain condition - loose gravel/sandy (contributing factor)
  - unsuitable terrain or takeoff/landing/taxi area - not identified, pilot in command (cause)
  - terrain condition - rough/uneven (contributing factor)
- Nose over, landing - roll

## Analysis

THE PILOT STATED THAT AFTER TOUCHDOWN ON THE SAND BAR THE AIRCRAFT STRUCK AN OPEN DITCH. THE PILOT LOST DIRECTIONAL CONTROL OF THE AIRCRAFT CAUSING THE PLANE TO NOSE OVER ON ITS BACK.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4987](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N4987-2003-11-03), registration cancelled 2003-11-03, S/N 30, built 1986 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: DENNEY FOX 1
- Registry model: [Smith Brant P KITFOX](https://openairdocs.org/model/smith-brant-p-kitfox) (registry code 0561285) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Bombardier ROTAX (ALL)](https://openairdocs.org/engine/bombardier-rotax-all) (registry code 09050, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: 30
- Airframe hours: 200
- Engines: ROTAX 503 52 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Brant P Smith
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Departed: PAQ, PALMER, AK

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 18; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 450 total, 200 in this make and model, 350 as pilot in command, 80 in the last 90 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 250° at 7 knots
- Visibility: 30 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 10,000 ft overcast
- Temperature: 52 °F, dew point 39 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: PAQ, 5 nm away

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19870617020669A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19870617020669A), Jun 17, 1987: Amtrdf KITFOX, Palmer, AK, Substantial damage. The aircraft nosed over after hitting a ditch during landing on a river sand bar.

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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