GOTTELT HERBERT R KITFOX IV/
Crystal Falls, MI — October 17, 2009
Event Information
| Date | October 17, 2009 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | CEN10CA022 |
| Event ID | 20091019X51539 |
| Location | Crystal Falls, MI |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 46.00917, -88.27389 |
| Airport | Iron County |
| Highest Injury | SERS |
Aircraft
| Make | GOTTELT HERBERT R |
| Model | KITFOX IV/ |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 1 |
| Minor | 1 |
| None | 0 |
| Total Injured | 2 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot's inability to maintain control due to an undetermined problem affecting lateral control of the airplane.
Full Narrative
The pilot stated that immediately after liftoff he was unable to move the control stick to the left of the center (neutral) position, although he was able to move the control stick to the right, forward, and aft without restriction. The pilot returned for landing; however, “at about 30 [feet] altitude the aircraft began to stall.” The airplane subsequently landed hard, separating the main landing gear. Both wings and the fuselage structure were substantially damaged during the event. The pilot stated that the accident occurred during the third flight of the day. A postaccident inspection was unable to confirm a restriction at the control stick. Continuity between the cockpit controls and the flight control surfaces was confirmed.
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.