# NTSB SEA03LA006: Rutledge Kitfox, N885CR, Condon, OR, October 15, 2002 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: October 15, 2002, 11:00 local (18:00 UTC) - Place: Condon, OR - Coordinates: 45.066665, -119.866668 - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=45.0667&lon=-119.8667&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: Serious injuries - Injuries: 1 serious - Status: Completed, report April 8, 2003 - Report: Approved by Office Director - Parties: FAA-FSDO - NTSB case key (mKey): 55882 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA03LA006 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/55882/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA03LA006 ## Probable cause A loose clamp around the gascolator bowl. A related factor was the maintenance inspection not being performed. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Loss of engine power, takeoff - lack of experience - miscellaneous,bolt/nut/fastener/clamp/spring - loose (cause) - maintenance,annual inspection - not performed, other person (contributing factor) - Forced landing, descent - emergency - In flight collision with terrain/water, emergency descent/landing - terrain condition - ground ## Analysis The non-certificated pilot reported that while maneuvering around a squirrel hole on his private strip, a gust of wind pushed the airplane into a rough spot on the field. The pilot applied power and the aircraft lifted off. Shortly after takeoff the engine lost power. The airplane then collided with the field. During the post-crash inspection of the engine, a clamp around the gascolator bowl was found loose. The remainder of the engine and airframe check did not disclose evidence of a mechanical failure or malfunction. The pilot reported that he had accumulated about 12 hours of total flight time with only two flights in the accident aircraft. The pilot stated that he was in the process of trying to find a flight instructor for flight lessons and a mechanic to inspect the airplane at the time of the accident. ## Factual narrative On October 15, 2002, approximately 1100 Pacific daylight time, an experimental Rutledge Kitfox, N885CR, registered to and operated by the non-certificated pilot as a 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight, collided with the terrain shortly after takeoff from a field near Condon, Oregon. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The aircraft was substantially damaged and the pilot was seriously injured. The non-certificated pilot reported that he had had this aircraft stored in his barn for a long time when he pulled it out. Fresh gas was put in prior to the flight. The pilot reported that he first taxied down the dirt runway, then turned around and came back down. Gusting winds were felt during this taxi maneuver. When the pilot turned back around, he noted that the winds had died down so he decided to taxi back down the runway again. The pilot stated that he taxied down the centerline of the airstrip at about 20 mph. Due to squirrel holes, he had to maneuver around a hole when a gust of wind caught the airplane and pushed it into a rough part of the pasture. The pilot applied power and the aircraft lifted off. Shortly after takeoff, the engine lost power. The aircraft then landed hard in the field. A Federal Aviation Administration Inspector from the Hillsboro, Oregon, Flight Standards District Office, inspected the engine and airframe. The inspector reported that during the inspection, the fuel gascolator bowl clamp was found loose. The remainder of the engine and airframe check did not disclose evidence of a mechanical failure or malfunction. The pilot reported a total of about 12 hours total flight time with only two flight in the Kitfox. During a telephone interview, the pilot stated that he was in the process of trying to find a flight instructor for flight lessons and a mechanic to inspect the airplane at the time of the accident. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N885CR](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N885CR-2013-08-23), registration cancelled 2013-08-23, S/N 20, built 1987 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Rutledge Kitfox - Registry model: [Rutledge Charles/B K KITFOX](https://openairdocs.org/model/rutledge-charles-b-k-kitfox) (registry code 05613TF) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Bombardier ROTAX (ALL)](https://openairdocs.org/engine/bombardier-rotax-all) (registry code 09050, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane, amateur-built - Serial number: 20 - Engines: Rotax 503 50 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Registered owner: Virgil L. Medley - Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special) - Departed: Condon, OR ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; injuries: serious; seat: front; flight hours: 12 total ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC) ## 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 20021015031119A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20021015031119A), Oct 15, 2002: Amtr KITFOX, Lonerock, OR, Substantial damage. (-23) On October 15, 2002, at approx. 1105, Mr. Medley departed his ranch in N885CR. He took off in the south west direction, at take off Mr. Medley lost… 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.