Kral Series 5 Kitfox
Fruitland Park, FL — February 3, 2008
Event Information
| Date | February 3, 2008 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| Location | Fruitland Park, FL |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 28.87806, -81.94083 |
| Airport | Flying Palomino Ranch Airport |
| Highest Injury | MINR |
| NTSB Number | NYC08CA092 |
| Event ID | 20080305X00264 |
Aircraft
| Make | Kral |
| Model | Series 5 Kitfox |
| Registration # | N97GK |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | DEST |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 1 |
| None | 0 |
| Total Injured | 1 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from obstructions during the landing approach. Contributing to the accident was the reduced visibility due to sunglare and haze.
Full Narrative
According to the pilot of the amateur built Series 5 Kitfox, he approached the private grass airstrip from the northwest, and set up for a straight-in approach to runway 09. During the final leg of the approach, the visibility was "slightly restricted" due to the morning sunlight coming from the east and haze. About 1/2 mile from the runway, the airplane encountered a slight downdraft, so the pilot increased engine power. About that time, the airplane's tailwheel struck an unmarked transmission wire about 150 feet above the ground. The airplane then pitched down, impacted the ground, caught fire, and was destroyed. When asked how the accident could have been prevented, the pilot stated in part, "[have] more altitude on final approach."
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.