# NTSB SEA99LA099: Whithington Kitfox 1200, N818HW, Caldwell, ID, June 30, 1999

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 29, 1999, 20:00 local (Jun 30, 1999, 02:00 UTC)
- Place: Caldwell, ID
- Coordinates: 43.660923, -116.630722 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=43.6609&lon=-116.6307&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report November 30, 2000
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 46730
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA99LA099
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/46730/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA99LA099

## Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from obstacles along his departure path. Factors include the pilot's incorrect positioning of the flaps prior to takeoff, and a transmission wire and trees along the aircraft's flight path.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, takeoff
  - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - flaps - improper use of, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - object - wire,transmission (contributing factor)
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)

## Analysis

Prior to taking off from an open field, the pilot accidentally deployed his flaps further than they should have been for takeoff. With the flaps in the incorrect position, the aircraft's takeoff roll was extended and its rate of climb was decreased. Just after the aircraft became airborne, it became evident to the pilot that it may not clear a power line along his takeoff track. He therefore flew underneath the wire, but failed to clear apple trees that were just beyond the wires. According to the pilot, there was no indication of an engine or flight control malfunction.

## Factual narrative

On June 29, 1999, approximately 2000 mountain daylight time, an experimental Withington Kitfox 1200, N818HW, impacted apple trees during an attempted takeoff from an alfalfa field about 8 miles west of Caldwell, Idaho. The private pilot received minor injuries, but the aircraft, which was owned and operated by the pilot, sustained substantial damage. The 14 CFR Part 91 local personal pleasure flight was being operated in visual meteorological conditions. No flight plan had been filed, and there was no report of an ELT transmission.

According to the FAA inspector who talked with the pilot after the accident, he accidentally tried to depart from an open field with the flaps deployed further than they should have been for takeoff. The pilot felt that with the flaps in the incorrect position, the aircraft's normal takeoff roll was extended and its expected rate of climb was decreased. After becoming airborne, it became evident to the pilot that the aircraft might not clear a power line in its path. The pilot therefore flew under the power line, but failed to clear apple trees that were just beyond the wires. The pilot, who failed to return an NTSB Form 6120.1/2, reported that there was no indication of engine or flight control malfunction.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N818HW](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N818HW-2007-09-17), registration cancelled 2007-09-17, S/N 1869, built 1995 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Whithington KITFOX 1200 (KITFOX 120)
- Registry model: [Withington Holden W KITFOX 1200 IV](https://openairdocs.org/model/withington-holden-w-kitfox-1200-iv) (registry code 05601B6) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Bombardier ROTAX (ALL)](https://openairdocs.org/engine/bombardier-rotax-all) (registry code 09050, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: 1869
- Engines: Rotax UNKNOWN reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Ray I. Blue

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 63; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; seat: left; flight hours: 550 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 360° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 75 °F

## 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 19990629047469A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19990629047469A), Jun 29, 1999: Amtr KITFOX41200, Caldwell, ID, Substantial damage. (.4) Prior to taking off from an open field, the pilot accidentally deployed his flaps further than they should have been for takeoff. With the flaps in the…

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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