# NTSB GAA18CA123: Oliver Lawrence R Kitfox IV 1200, N76478, Carson City, NV, February 11, 2018

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report
- Date: February 11, 2018, 12:40 local (20:40 UTC)
- Place: Carson City, NV
- Coordinates: 39.192222, -119.731666 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.1922&lon=-119.7317&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Defining event: [Approach-VFR go-around: Loss of control in flight](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report May 14, 2018
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB office: General Aviation Accidents
- Parties: FAA
- NTSB case key (mKey): 96728
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=GAA18CA123
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/96728/pdf
- NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=96728
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA18CA123

## Probable cause

The flight instructor’s failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll and lateral control during the go-around in gusting crosswind conditions. Contributing to the accident was the lack of communication between the flight instructor and the pilot receiving instruction.

## Findings

NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause.

- [Performance/control parameters: lateral/bank control](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062023): Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability · Not attained/maintained (probable cause); cases with it: [Oliver Lawrence R KITFOX IV 1200, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062023/cases.md?model=05626HJ), [All aircraft, 390 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062023/cases.md)
- [Performance/control parameters: directional control](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062020): Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability · Not attained/maintained (probable cause); cases with it: [Oliver Lawrence R KITFOX IV 1200, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062020/cases.md?model=05626HJ), [All aircraft, 3,958 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062020/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: [Oliver Lawrence R KITFOX IV 1200, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md?model=05626HJ), [All aircraft, 9,295 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md)
- [Communication (personnel): lack of communication](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063510): Personnel issues › Task performance · Flight crew (probable cause); cases with it: [Oliver Lawrence R KITFOX IV 1200, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063510/cases.md?model=05626HJ), [All aircraft, 84 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063510/cases.md)
- [Wind: crosswind](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03034040): Environmental issues › Conditions/weather/phenomena · Effect on operation; cases with it: [Oliver Lawrence R KITFOX IV 1200, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03034040/cases.md?model=05626HJ), [All aircraft, 1,008 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03034040/cases.md)
- [Wind: gusts](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03034045): Environmental issues › Conditions/weather/phenomena · Effect on operation; cases with it: [Oliver Lawrence R KITFOX IV 1200, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03034045/cases.md?model=05626HJ), [All aircraft, 1,199 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03034045/cases.md)

## Sequence of events

The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened.

- [Landing: Other weather encounter](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/400); cases with it: [Oliver Lawrence R KITFOX IV 1200, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/400/sequence.md?model=05626HJ), [All aircraft, 1,127 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/400/sequence.md)
- [Landing: Loss of control on ground](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/230); cases with it: [Oliver Lawrence R KITFOX IV 1200, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/230/sequence.md?model=05626HJ), [All aircraft, 4,585 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/230/sequence.md)
- [Landing: Runway excursion](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/300); cases with it: [Oliver Lawrence R KITFOX IV 1200, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/300/sequence.md?model=05626HJ), [All aircraft, 3,643 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/300/sequence.md)
- [Approach-VFR go-around: Loss of control in flight](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240) (defining event); cases with it: [Oliver Lawrence R KITFOX IV 1200, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240/sequence.md?model=05626HJ), [All aircraft, 5,002 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240/sequence.md)
- [Approach-VFR go-around: Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT) ](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470); cases with it: [Oliver Lawrence R KITFOX IV 1200, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md?model=05626HJ), [All aircraft, 10,189 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md)

## Analysis

The pilot receiving instruction in the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that he taxied to a runway for takeoff and then realized that the wind favored the opposite runway. He taxied to the opposite runway, performed a run-up, and discussed the takeoff and traffic pattern procedures with the flight instructor. After takeoff and completing a circuit in the pattern, while on final approach in gusting wind conditions, the flight instructor took the flight controls to correct the airplane's alignment with the runway. The pilot receiving instruction added that the flight instructor corrected the alignment and landed the airplane. After landing, a wind gust pushed the airplane to the right, and the airplane exited the runway and impacted sagebrush. The flight instructor reported that, before the flight, he told the pilot receiving instruction that it was "not a flying day" and suggested practicing wind correction during taxi. He added that they decided to taxi down the runway to the first turnoff, but the pilot receiving instruction applied takeoff power and, he did not know why. He added that the airplane became airborne and that he took control during final, landing, and the landing roll but was not able to maintain directional control. He applied full power to go around but "chose to wheel land in the small sagebrush" instead. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage. The pilot receiving instruction reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The automated weather observation station located on the airport reported that, about 5 minutes before the accident, the wind was from 210° at 9 knots, gusting to 26 knots. The airplane landed on runway 27.

## Factual narrative

The student pilot in the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that he taxied to a runway for takeoff, then realized the wind favored the opposite runway. He taxied to the opposite runway, performed a runup, and discussed the takeoff and traffic pattern procedures with the flight instructor. After takeoff, and having completed a circuit in the pattern, while on final approach in gusting wind conditions, the flight instructor took the flight controls to correct the airplane's alignment with the runway. He added that the flight instructor corrected the alignment and landed the airplane. After landing, a wind gust pushed the airplane to the right, and the airplane exited the runway and impacted sagebrush. The flight instructor reported that, prior to the flight, he told the pilot receiving instruction that it was "not a flying day" and suggested practicing wind correction during taxi. He added that, they decided to taxi down the runway to the first turnoff, but the student pilot applied takeoff power and that he did not know why. He added that the airplane became airborne, and that he took control during final, landing, and, during the landing roll, but was not able to maintain directional control. He applied full power to go around, but "chose to wheel land in the small sagebrush" instead. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage. The pilot receiving instruction reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. A review of recorded data from the automated weather observation station located on the airport reported that, about 5 minutes before the accident, the wind was from 210° at 9 knots, gusting 26 knots. The airplane landed on runway 27.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N76478](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N76478-2021-05-08), registration cancelled 2021-05-08, S/N DCU021, built 1995 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: OLIVER LAWRENCE R KITFOX IV 1200 (IV)
- Registry model: [Oliver Lawrence R KITFOX IV 1200](https://openairdocs.org/model/oliver-lawrence-r-kitfox-iv-1200) (registry code 05626HJ) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Rotax SEE BOMBADIER](https://openairdocs.org/engine/rotax-see-bombadier) (registry code 55555, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: DCU021
- Year built: 1995
- Airframe hours: 1826.6
- Engines: Rotax 912UL 80 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental light sport (Special)
- Last inspection: Condition, January 17, 2018
- Departed: CXP, Carson City, NV
- Destination: CXP, Carson City, NV
- Airport: CXP, Carson, runway 27, 6,101 × 75 ft, asphalt
- Equipment: Electronic flight bag or handheld device, Handheld GPS

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 37; injuries: none; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, without waivers/limitations; seat: left; restraint: 4-point; flight hours: 200 total, 143 as pilot in command, 1 in the last 90 days
- Flight instructor; age 77; commercial, flight instructor; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, with waivers/limitations; seat: right; restraint: 4-point

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 210° at 9 knots, gusting 26
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 55 °F, dew point 14 °F
- Altimeter: 29.75 inHg
- Observed at: KCXP, 1 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 20180211006479A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20180211006479A), Feb 11, 2018: Oliver Lawrence R KITFOX IV 1200, Carson City, NV, Substantial damage. The CFI reported upon arrival at the airport the CFI advised the student that the winds were not good for flight. Since this was a tail wheel aircraft, they…

## Docket (3 files)

The files NTSB released with the investigation on March 28, 2018, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=96728. 4.7 MB in all.

- Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 (item 1, .PDF, 4.5 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40461346&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%2FOperator%20Aircraft%20Accident%20Report,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.1-Master.PDF
- Flight Instructor Statement (item 2, .PDF, 54 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40461347&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Flight%20Instructor%20Statement-Master.PDF
- Accident Photo (item 3, .PDF, 152 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40461348&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Accident%20Photo-Master.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.

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