# NTSB ERA25LA379: Mccaa Robert T Avid/Kitfox Flyer, N533SE, Oakland, PA, September 28, 2025 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report - Date: September 28, 2025, 15:40 local (19:40 UTC) - Place: Oakland, PA · JST Runway 33 (Departure End) - Coordinates: 40.322714, -78.841268 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=40.3227&lon=-78.8413&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining event: [Landing-flare/touchdown: Landing gear collapse](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/094) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 2 uninjured - Status: Completed, report February 12, 2026 - Report: Approved by Office Director - Investigation class: Class 4 - Basic report with no Prelim publish - NTSB office: Eastern Region Aviation - Parties: FAA - NTSB case key (mKey): 201831 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ERA25LA379 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/201831/pdf - NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=201831 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA25LA379 ## Probable cause The pilot/owner’s failure to accurately determine the airplane’s weight and performance limitations before initiating the takeoff. Contributing to the outcome was the flight instructor’s improper engine power management and landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing. ## Findings NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause. - [Planning/preparation: weight/balance calculations](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02061015): Personnel issues › Task performance · Unknown/Not determined (probable cause); cases with it: [Mccaa Robert T AVID/KITFOX FLYER, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02061015/cases.md?model=05634LA), [All aircraft, 110 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02061015/cases.md) - [Action: lack of action](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041030): Personnel issues › Action/decision · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Mccaa Robert T AVID/KITFOX FLYER, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041030/cases.md?model=05634LA), [All aircraft, 792 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041030/cases.md) - [Performance/control parameters: descent rate](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062037): Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability · Not attained/maintained (probable cause); cases with it: [Mccaa Robert T AVID/KITFOX FLYER, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062037/cases.md?model=05634LA), [All aircraft, 242 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062037/cases.md) - [Use of equip/info: aircraft control](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040): Personnel issues › Task performance · Instructor/check pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Mccaa Robert T AVID/KITFOX FLYER, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md?model=05634LA), [All aircraft, 9,295 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md) ## Sequence of events The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened. - [Takeoff: Attempted remediation/recovery](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/060); cases with it: [Mccaa Robert T AVID/KITFOX FLYER, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/060/sequence.md?model=05634LA), [All aircraft, 1,422 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/060/sequence.md) - [Landing-flare/touchdown: Landing gear collapse](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/094) (defining event); cases with it: [Mccaa Robert T AVID/KITFOX FLYER, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/094/sequence.md?model=05634LA), [All aircraft, 1,787 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/094/sequence.md) ## Analysis The purpose of the flight was for the flight instructor to provide tailwheel training to the pilot receiving instruction, who did not hold an endorsement to flying tailwheel-equipped airplanes, and who had recently purchased the experimental amateur-built airplane. It was the first flight for either pilot in this make and model of airplane and the takeoff was performed by the pilot. The flight instructor stated that airplane’s acceleration was slower than he expected, but given his lack of experience in this airplane, he did not feel it was abnormal. When the airplane was about 50 ft above ground level, the pilot and flight instructor stated that the airplane stopped climbing. The pilots then elected to land on the remaining runway and the flight instructor took over controls, lowered the airplane’s nose, and reduced engine power. He noted that the airplane “dropped quick,” so he then increased the engine power. Upon touchdown, both landing gear collapsed, and the fuselage sustained substantial damage. The flight instructor further described that the airplane had touched down “hard,” but he was surprised that the landing gear had collapsed and that he landed other airplanes in the past with similar force and not experienced any problems. Prior to the flight, the pilot performed a weight and balance calculation and determined that the ramp weight would be 1,156 lbs, about 6 lbs above the airplane’s maximum demonstrated weight. The pilot stated that he expected that 6 lbs of fuel would be consumed during taxi and runup. Postaccident review of the weight and balance completed by the pilot revealed was based on the airplane’s original empty weight, which did not account for multiple propeller model changes, the addition of avionics, structural repairs, and a modification of the landing gear design. Additionally, the weather conditions at the time of the accident included a density altitude that exceeded 3,000 ft. Based on the Federal Aviation Administration Koch chart, this density altitude correlated to a loss in rate of climb performance of 35%. The flight instructor stated that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures of the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot also stated that there were no engine problems, but he reported that the experimental amateur-built airplane’s landing gear had been custom built and had not been designed by the airplane’s kit manufacturer. He also stated that the landing gear had previously collapsed and had been repaired by the previous owner/operator. A review of the airplane’s maintenance logs confirmed that the airplane had been damaged and repaired on at least three documented occasions. Given the uncertain nature of the airplane’s weight and balance, it is likely that the airplane was being operated near or in excess of its maximum gross weight during the accident takeoff. Combined with the detrimental performance impact of the density altitude at the time, it is likelythat the airplane was unable to climb out of ground effect during the takeoff due to these combined factors. After aborting the takeoff, the flight instructor’s power management, in combination with the airplane’s excessive weight, resulted in a hard landing and the subsequent landing gear collapse. Whether the landing gear collapse was solely the result of that hard landing, or had been exacerbated by the landing gear’s design, or its previous damage and repair, was not determined. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N533SE](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N533SE), registered now, S/N M002, built 2015 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: MCCAA ROBERT T AVID/KITFOX FLYER (NO SERIES) - Registry model: [Mccaa Robert T AVID/KITFOX FLYER](https://openairdocs.org/model/mccaa-robert-t-avid-kitfox-flyer) (registry code 05634LA) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Rotax 582DCDI](https://openairdocs.org/engine/rotax-582dcdi) (registry code 55562, 2 cycle) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane, amateur-built - Serial number: M002 - Year built: 2015 - Airframe hours: 225.2 - Engines: Rotax 582DCDI 65 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Instructional, Part 91 - Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special) - Last inspection: Condition, June 25, 2025 - Departed: JST, Johnstown, PA - Airport: JST, John Murtha Johnstown/Cambria County, runway 33, 7,004 × 150 ft, concrete - Equipment: ADS-B ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 29; injuries: none; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, without waivers/limitations; last flight review February 3, 2025; seat: left; restraint: 4-point; flight hours: 270 total, 0 in this make and model, 205 as pilot in command, 3 in the last 90 days, 2 in the last 30 days - Flight instructor; age 27; injuries: none; commercial, flight instructor; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, without waivers/limitations; last flight review October 29, 2024; seat: right; restraint: 4-point; flight hours: 1,400 total, 0 in this make and model, 1,350 as pilot in command, 200 in the last 90 days, 87 in the last 30 days ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Temperature: 77 °F, dew point 55 °F - Altimeter: 30.18 inHg - Observed at: JST, 1 nm away - METAR: METAR KJST 281954Z AUTO VRB04KT 10SM SCT050 25/13 A3018 RMK AO2 SLP209 T02500128 $ ## 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 20250928017209A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20250928017209A), Sep 28, 2025: Mccaa Robert T AVID/KITFOX FLYER, Johnstown, PA, Substantial damage. This was the first flight of this aircraft after purchase and training was being provided for a tailwheel endorsement. The tower reported that the aircraft… ## Docket (11 files) The files NTSB released with the investigation on February 12, 2026, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=201831. 174 MB in all. - Pilot/operator aircraft accident report, NTSB form 6120.1 (pilot) (item 1, PDF, 10 pages, 4.2 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=19537674&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=ERA25LA379%20Student%206120.1_Redacted-Rel.pdf - Pilot/operator aircraft accident report, NTSB form 6120.1 (flight instructor) (item 2, PDF, 11 pages, 124 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=19566613&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=ERA25LA379%20Instructor%206120.1_Redacted-Rel.pdf - Memorandum for record a�� telephone interview, pilot (pilot) (item 3, PDF, 2 pages, 71 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=19538001&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=MOR%20Pilot%20-%20Student%2010-16-25_Redacted-Rel.pdf - Memorandum for record a�� telephone interview, pilot (flight instructor) (item 4, PDF, 2 pages, 72 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=19538175&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=MOR%20Pilot%20-%20Instructor%2010-16-25_Redacted-Rel.pdf - Memorandum for record a�� telephone interview, FAA inspector (item 5, PDF, 2 pages, 68 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=19549726&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=MOR%20-%20FAA%2010-16-25_Redacted-Rel.pdf - Operating handbook found in airplane (item 6, PDF, 5 pages, 4 photos, 1.3 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=19537244&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=ERA25LA379%20Operating%20Handbook%20Excerpts-Rel.pdf - Pilot-provided weight and balance (item 7, PDF, 1 page, 1 photo, 3.8 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=19538212&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=ERA25LA379%20Student-Performed%20Weight%20and%20Balance-Rel.pdf - Maintenance records (item 8, PDF, 40 pages, 37.2 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=19537234&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=ERA25LA379%20N533SE%20Maintenance%20Log_and_Measured_Weight_Redacted-Rel.pdf - Memorandum for record - documentation of airplane modifications (item 9, PDF, 5 pages, 1 photo, 1.1 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=19741397&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=MFR%20Airplane%20Modifications_Redacted-Rel.pdf - Investigation photographs (item 10, PDF, 6 pages, 5 photos, 1.9 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=19568085&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=ERA25LA379%20Photo%20Array-Rel.pdf - FAA koch chart (item 11, PDF, 1 page, 230 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=19537557&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=ERA25LA379%20-%20FAA%20Estimation%20Technique%20For%20Density%20Altitude%20and%20Performance%20Loss-Rel.pdf 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. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.