MORSE, FRANK L. KITFOX
Crawford, CO — August 16, 2009
Event Information
| Date | August 16, 2009 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | CEN09CA528 |
| Event ID | 20090817X40134 |
| Location | Crawford, CO |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 38.70111, -107.62389 |
| Airport | Crawford |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | MORSE, FRANK L. |
| Model | KITFOX |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 1 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot's continued flight into a severe downdraft at low altitude after encountering tailwind over the area.
Full Narrative
The pilot was conducting aerial observation of his pipeline head gate to check for debris. The pilot overflew the area at 150 feet above ground level (agl) and "observed a light tailwind and no downdraft." The pilot performed a left 360 degree turn and flew over the area a second time between 50 and 60 feet agl. The airplane encountered a "severe downdraft" and settled into terrain. The right wing spar was broken in the impact, as was the right main landing gear and nosewheel. The propeller was destroyed. The pilot reported no mechanical anomalies with the airplane.
About This NTSB Record
This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.