# NTSB WPR19TA248: Hall Kitfox, N87TJ, Nampa, ID, August 30, 2019 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Final report - Date: August 30, 2019, 08:37 local (14:37 UTC) - Place: Nampa, ID - Coordinates: 43.575553, -116.520553 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=43.5756&lon=-116.5206&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining event: [Landing-landing roll: Landing gear not configured](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/095) - Highest injury: Minor injuries - Injuries: 1 minor, 1 uninjured - Status: Completed - Report: Approved by Office Director - Investigation class: Class 3 - NTSB office: Western Pacific Region - Parties: Federal Aviation Administration - NTSB case key (mKey): 100188 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=WPR19TA248 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/100188/pdf - NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=100188 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR19TA248 ## Probable cause The owner's improper installation of the tailwheel, which resulted in the pilot's inability to maintain directional control during landing as a result of severe tailwheel vibrations. ## Findings NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause. - [Performance/control parameters: directional control](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062020): Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability · Attain/maintain not possible (probable cause); cases with it: [Hall Kenneth J KITFOX 532, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062020/cases.md?model=05612XQ), [All aircraft, 3,958 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062020/cases.md) - [Maintenance: modification/alteration](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02062030): Personnel issues › Task performance · Owner/builder (probable cause); cases with it: [Hall Kenneth J KITFOX 532, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02062030/cases.md?model=05612XQ), [All aircraft, 69 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02062030/cases.md) - [Maintenance: installation](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02062035): Personnel issues › Task performance · Owner/builder (probable cause); cases with it: [Hall Kenneth J KITFOX 532, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02062035/cases.md?model=05612XQ), [All aircraft, 371 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02062035/cases.md) - [Landing gear system: nose/tail gear attach section](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01023221): Aircraft › Aircraft systems · Incorrect service/maintenance (probable cause); cases with it: [Hall Kenneth J KITFOX 532, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01023221/cases.md?model=05612XQ), [All aircraft, 29 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01023221/cases.md) ## Sequence of events The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened. - [Unknown: Part(s) separation from AC](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/338); cases with it: [Hall Kenneth J KITFOX 532, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/338/sequence.md?model=05612XQ), [All aircraft, 563 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/338/sequence.md) - [Landing-landing roll: Landing gear not configured](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/095) (defining event); cases with it: [Hall Kenneth J KITFOX 532, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/095/sequence.md?model=05612XQ), [All aircraft, 584 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/095/sequence.md) - [Landing-landing roll: Loss of control on ground](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/230); cases with it: [Hall Kenneth J KITFOX 532, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/230/sequence.md?model=05612XQ), [All aircraft, 4,585 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/230/sequence.md) - [Landing-landing roll: Nose over/nose down](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/096); cases with it: [Hall Kenneth J KITFOX 532, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/096/sequence.md?model=05612XQ), [All aircraft, 2,287 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/096/sequence.md) ## Analysis The pilot reported that, during takeoff in the experimental, amateur-built, tailwheel-equipped airplane, he experienced a hard shimmy before liftoff. Following an uneventful flight, the pilot landed the airplane onto the main landing gear. When the tailwheel touched down, the airplane immediately became uncontrollable and unresponsive. The airplane was rolling toward the right side of the runway and the pilot applied the brakes in an attempt to slow the airplane. The propeller contacted the runway surface before the airplane exited the runway, nosed over, and came to rest inverted. The pilot reported that, about 6 to 8 weeks before the accident, the owner installed a larger tailwheel on the airplane. The original tailwheel was about 3 or 4 inches in diameter. The new tailwheel was about 6 inches in diameter. A postaccident examination of the airplane revealed that the airplane was equipped with a 1 1/4-inch tailwheel leaf spring. The new tailwheel was designed for a 1 1/2-inch tailwheel leaf spring; therefore, a shim would have been required to ensure proper installation. In addition, a longer bolt would be needed to ensure that the bolt would properly secure within the locking nut. The examination revealed that the bolt was still present in the leaf spring, but the locking nut was not present and was not located along the runway. The washer was found underneath the tail, and there were no indications that a shim was installed. The bolt was removed from the leaf spring and measured; it was not long enough to reach the locking portion of the locking nut. Since the bolt was not long enough to reach the locking portion of the locking nut, it is likely that the nut vibrated loose during normal operations, which caused excessive play in the tailwheel during landing. ## Factual narrative On August 30, 2019, about 0837 mountain daylight time, an amateur built Hall Kitfox 532 airplane, N87TJ, was substantially damaged during the landing roll at the Nampa Municipal Airport (MAN), Nampa, Idaho. The private pilot was not injured, and the passenger sustained minor injuries. The airplane was registered to an individual and operated by the pilot as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The flight originated from the Caldwell Industrial Airport (EUL) about 0800. The pilot reported that, during takeoff from EUL, the airplane had a hard shimmy right before liftoff. After an uneventful flight, the pilot landed the airplane smoothly onto the main landing gear. When the tailwheel touched down, the airplane immediately became uncontrollable and unresponsive to any pilot corrections. The airplane was rolling towards the right side of the runway, so the pilot braked in an attempt to slow the airplane. The propeller contacted the runway surface before the airplane exited the runway, nosed over, and came to rest inverted. The pilot further reported that, about 6-8 weeks before the accident, the owner put a larger tailwheel on the airplane because he was prepping the airplane for backcountry airports. The original tailwheel was about 3-4 inches in diameter and about 1 inch wide. The new tailwheel was about 6 inches in diameter and much sturdier. An onscene examination of the airplane was conducted by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector. The inspector reported that the airplane was equipped with a 1 ¼ inch tailwheel leaf spring. The new tailwheel, which was designed for a Maule airplane, was designed for a 1 ½ inch tailwheel leaf spring. Therefore, a shim would have needed to be installed in between the tailwheel and tailwheel leaf spring to ensure a proper installation. In addition, a longer bolt would have needed to be installed to ensure the bolt would properly secure within the locking nut. The examination revealed that the bolt was still present in the leaf spring, but the locking nut was not present and was not located along the runway. The washer was found underneath the tail, and there were no indications that a shim was installed. The bolt was removed from the leaf spring and measured; it was not long enough to reach the locking portion of the locking nut. The mechanic reported to the FAA inspector that during the airplane's last condition inspection, which was conducted on November 24, 2018, the original tailwheel was installed on the airplane. He never inspected the new, larger, tailwheel after it was installed, nor was he required to until the next condition inspection. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N87TJ](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N87TJ), registered now, S/N 158, built 1988 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: HALL Kitfox (532) - Registry model: [Hall Kenneth J KITFOX 532](https://openairdocs.org/model/hall-kenneth-j-kitfox-532) (registry code 05612XQ) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Jabiru 2200](https://openairdocs.org/engine/jabiru-2200) (registry code 34800, 4 cycle) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane, amateur-built - Serial number: 158 - Year built: 1988 - Airframe hours: 502 - Engines: Jabiru 2200 85 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special) - Last inspection: Condition, November 24, 2018, 25 hours before - Departed: EUL, Caldwell, ID - Destination: MAN, Nampa, ID - Airport: MAN, Nampa Municipal Airport, runway 11, 5,000 × 75 ft, asphalt - Equipment: None ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 75; injuries: minor; private; airplane ratings: single-engine sea; medical: sport pilot, unknown; last flight review March 9, 2019; seat: left; flight hours: 2,203 total, 25 in this make and model, 10 in the last 90 days, 3 in the last 30 days, 0 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: calm - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 64 °F, dew point 59 °F - Altimeter: 30.02 inHg - Observed at: MAN ## 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 20190830011579A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20190830011579A), Aug 30, 2019: Hall Kenneth J KITFOX 532, Nampa, ID, Substantial damage. On August 30, 2019, at approximately 0837 hours local, an experimental amateur built kenneth j Hall Kitfox model 532 aircraft departed the right side of runway… ## Other investigations on N87TJ (2) 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. - [NTSB SEA97LA062](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA97LA062), Feb 22, 1997: Hall Kitfox (N87TJ), Billings, MT, substantial damage. Probable cause: The pilot-in-command's failure to maintain flying airspeed while executing a downwind turn at low altitude immediately following takeoff. - [NTSB SEA95LA193](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA95LA193), Aug 23, 1995: Hall Kitfox 1 (N87TJ), Pompeys Pillar, MT, substantial damage. Probable cause: the pilot's delayed decision to abort the takeoff. High density altitude, unavailabilty of aircraft takeoff performance data, and the short rough takeoff area were factors in the accident. ## Docket (3 files) The files NTSB released with the investigation on February 21, 2020, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=100188. 1.5 MB in all. - Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 (item 1, .PDF, 577 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40480735&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%2FOperator%20Aircraft%20Accident%20Report,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.1-Master.PDF - Record of Conversation - Pilot (item 2, .PDF, 53 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40480736&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Record%20of%20Conversation%20-%20Pilot-Master.PDF - Record of Conversation - FAA Inspector (item 3, .PDF, 901 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40480737&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Record%20of%20Conversation%20-%20FAA%20Inspector-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. --- 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.