Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary MIA95LA036

FORT PIERCE, FL, USA

Aircraft #1

N491WC

COLVIN KITFOX II

Analysis

THE PILOT ATTEMPTED TO TAKEOFF IN A HOMEBUILT AIRPLANE FROM A FIELD IN FRONT OF A HOUSE. DURING THE TAKEOFF ROLL THE AIRPLANE DID NOT ACCELERATE ADEQUATELY AND HIT A FENCE AND CARTWHEELED INTO TREES. EXAMINATION OF THE FIELD SHORTLY AFTER THE ACCIDENT REVEALED THE FIELD WAS WET AND THERE WERE AREAS OF STANDING WATER.

Factual Information

On December 10, 1994, about 1112 eastern standard time, N491WC, a homebuilt Kitfox registered to the pilot Wilbur Colvin, crashed in Fort Pierce, Florida, while on a 14 CFR Part 91 flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed for the local flight. The airplane was substantially damaged and the pilot received serious injuries. The flight was originating at the time of the accident. The pilot stated he was attempting a takeoff from his front yard when he encountered standing water on the grass runway. The takeoff roll was continued and the airplane struck a fence immediately after becoming airborne. The airplane then cartwheeled into a field.

Probable Cause and Findings

THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO ABORT THE TAKEOFF WHEN HE ENCOUNTERED WATER ON THE GRASS RUNWAY.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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