Ulfeldt KITFOX IV-1200 N134U

Summary

On 6 October 2006 at about 21:15 local time, a Ulfeldt KITFOX IV-1200 registered N134U was involved in an accident near Gridley, California, 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

6 October 2006 at 21:15

Classification

Accident

Location

Gridley, California, United States

Nearest airport

Private Farm Airstrip (NONE)

Coordinates

39.3667, -121.9314

Aircraft

Ulfeldt KITFOX IV-1200

Registration

N134U

Category

Airplane

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Gridley → Willows

Aircraft damage

Destroyed

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

LAX07LA003

2 people died.

The pilot's failure to maintain an adequate airspeed while attempting a return to runway maneuver that led to a stall spin. The reason for the power loss was not ascertained.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

The aircraft collided with the ground while attempting a return to runway maneuver following a loss of power in the takeoff initial climb. Within about 1 minute after takeoff during initial climb, the experimental, home-built, airplane experienced a loss of engine power. The airplane reversed direction and turned back toward the departure airstrip. A ground-based witness reported that during the turn the airplane appeared to stall. Thereafter, in a nose low attitude, it spiraled/spun downward in a "steep dive." The airplane's nose and a wing impacted the ground at the same time, whereupon a fire erupted that destroyed the airplane. The witness reported that he spoke with the accident pilot prior to the flight. The pilot reportedly stated that he had made a precautionary landing at the airstrip after experiencing an engine problem. The witness loaned the pilot a wrench to assist him in repairing the airplane, and the pilot proceeded to loosen one or two fittings in the engine area. The witness observed fuel "spurting" from the area after the fuel pump had been turned on. The airplane had fuel. Thereafter, the pilot and his friend, who was also a pilot and who had accompanied the owner-pilot during the flight, replaced the engine cowling. The first pilot indicated to the witness that he believed his problem was now fixed, and the pilots proceeded to takeoff. Both pilots held airplane single engine land ratings, and both held current FAA medical certificates. Neither of the pilots held aviation mechanic/repairman certificates. The airplane was severely damaged during the impact sequence, and thereafter was destroyed by fire. An examination of the remaining wreckage did not disclose evidence of any preimpact malfunction. No logbooks were located. The reason for the loss of engine power was not ascertained.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.