Gray Jerry KITFOX N111BM

Summary

On 31 May 2003 at about 14:20 local time, a Gray Jerry KITFOX registered N111BM was involved in an accident near Jerome, Arizona, United States. 2 people were on board and 2 died. The aircraft was destroyed. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

31 May 2003 at 14:20

Classification

Accident

Location

Jerome, Arizona, United States

Nearest airport

Cottonwood (P52)

Coordinates

34.7583, -112.1103

Aircraft

Gray Jerry KITFOX

Registration

N111BM

Category

Airplane

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Cottonwood → Jerome

Aircraft damage

Destroyed

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

LAX03LA175

2 people died.

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance/altitude from rising terrain, and his failure to maintain control of the airplane while maneuvering, which resulted in an uncontrolled descent and in-flight collision with terrain.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

The amateur-built, experimental single-engine airplane collided with terrain following a loss of control while maneuvering. According to a witness, the airplane was flying low and slow, about 200 to 300 feet above ground level below a canyon ridge line. It flew up the canyon, and as it approached rising terrain, engine power was increased. The airplane attempted to climb above the canyon, then "winged over" and dived, nose first, into the mountainside. A post accident examination of the wreckage revealed no evidence of pre-impact anomalies to the airframe or engine.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.