# NTSB IAD96LA049: Kitfox IV-1200, N32495, Saluda, VA, March 14, 1996 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: March 14, 1996, 16:15 local (21:15 UTC) - Place: Saluda, VA - Coordinates: 37.599067, -76.589591 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=37.5991&lon=-76.5896&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: Minor injuries - Injuries: 1 minor, 1 uninjured - Status: Completed, report October 22, 1996 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 28027 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=IAD96LA049 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/28027/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/IAD96LA049 ## Probable cause a partial loss of engine power due to spark plug failure, and the pilot's evasive maneuver to avoid lights at the end of the runway. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Loss of engine power(partial) - mech failure/malf, takeoff - initial climb - ignition system,spark plug - failure (cause) - Forced landing, emergency landing after takeoff - Loss of control - in flight, emergency landing after takeoff - evasive maneuver - intentional, pilot in command (cause) - stall/mush - intentional, pilot in command - In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled ## Analysis The pilot stated that there was a partial loss of engine power shortly after the airplane lifted off. The airplane would not climb, so he elected to land on the remaining runway. In his attempt to avoid lights at the end of the runway, the pilot stalled the airplane approximately ten feet above the surface. The airplane impacted the runway in a steep nose down attitude, then '...rolled over onto it's back.' Postaccident investigation revealed that the #1 spark plug failed an electrical function test. The pilot stated that the spark plug operated normally under low load conditions, but '...[stopped] under full load.' ## Factual narrative On March 14, 1996, at 1615 eastern standard time, a Kitfox IV-1200, N32495, impacted the runway shortly after takeoff at Hummel Field, in Saluda, Virginia. The certificated private pilot reported no injuries, and the one passenger received minor injuries. The airplane sustained substantial damage. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident, no flight plan was filed. The local flight was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. The pilot stated that as the airplane climbed through about 50 feet above the ground after takeoff, there was a partial loss of engine power. He stated that the airplane would not climb, so he elected to land on the remaining runway. The pilot reported that he knew that the airplane would touch down very near the end of the runway, and he was concerned about hitting the lights at the end of the runway. He stated that in his attempt to avoid the lights at the end of the runway, he "...ran out of airspeed... ." He reported that the airplane stalled at approximately ten feet above the surface, impacted the runway in a steep nose down attitude, then "...rolled over onto it's back." A post accident inspection of the aircraft by Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) safety inspectors included an electrical function test under compression load for each of the four engine spark plugs. The number one spark plug in the number one cylinder failed this test. No other mechanical anomalies were noted. The pilot's written statement indicated that the spark plug operated normally under low load conditions, but "...[stopped] under full load. [This] was not detected on run up or liftoff." ## Aircraft - Registration: [N32495](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N32495-2015-05-06), registration cancelled 2015-05-06, S/N LCU128, built 1994 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: KITFOX IV-1200 - Registry model: [Farmer A W/Farmer B E 4-1200](https://openairdocs.org/model/farmer-a-w-farmer-b-e-4-1200) (registry code 05624RJ) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Continental A&C75 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-a-c75-series) (registry code 17005, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane, amateur-built - Serial number: LCU 128 - Airframe hours: 123 - Engines: Rotax LC-582 65 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Registered owner: Arthur W. Farmer - Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special) - Last inspection: 100 hour, December 19, 1995, 14 hours before - Departed: W75 - Airport: W75, Hummel Field, runway 18, 2,200 × 45 ft, asphalt ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 54; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 195 total, 104 in this make and model, 138 as pilot in command, 23 in the last 90 days, 9 in the last 30 days ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 220° at 9 knots - Visibility: 7 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 73 °F, dew point 27 °F - Altimeter: 29.00 inHg - Observed at: PHF, 30 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 19960314003989A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19960314003989A), Mar 14, 1996: Saluda, VA, No damage. Crashed shortly after takeoff from runway. 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.