Ferkin Kitfox IV
Homedale, ID — January 4, 2011
Event Information
| Date | January 4, 2011 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | WPR11CA088 |
| Event ID | 20110106X15913 |
| Location | Homedale, ID |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 43.60876, -116.93605 |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | Ferkin |
| Model | Kitfox IV |
| 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 inadequate compensation for the snow-covered terrain during the takeoff ground roll, which resulted in a nose-over.
Full Narrative
The pilot submitted a written statement. Approximately 15 minutes into the flight, the oil pressure gauge showed no oil pressure. The pilot performed a precautionary landing on a snow-covered hill. He examined the airplane and discovered that the sending wire had disconnected from the oil pressure gauge. He plugged it in and the oil pressure gauge functioned properly. He estimated that the snow cover was 4 inches deep. During the takeoff roll, he raised the tailwheel. The airplane then nosed-over. The pilot stated that he should have used soft-field takeoff techniques due to the snow-covered terrain.
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.