Slaughter, LA, USA
N998DS
SMYTHE DONALD F KITFOX CLASSIC IV
The pilot reported that the airplane's normal takeoff roll was about 700 feet; a 3-foot-tall fence was located about 1,000 feet from where the pilot initiated the takeoff, and 60-foot-tall trees were located about 650 feet beyond the fence. During the attempted takeoff from an open field with 8-inch tall grass, the airplane did not seem to have sufficient lift and, although the engine was at full power, the airplane would not climb more than 20 feet above ground level. The airplane cleared the fence, but the pilot then realized that the airplane was not going to be able to clear the 60-foot-tall trees located about 650 feet from the fence. During his attempt to avoid the trees, the right wing contacted the ground, and the airplane subsequently cart-wheeled. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The airplane was powered by a 65-horsepower, two-stroke engine. The pilot noted that the airplane was about 100 lbs. under gross weight at the time of the takeoff. A light direct or left quartering tailwind existed during the takeoff, and the calculated density altitude was about 1,400 feet. The combined effects of the tall grass, the limited available engine power, operation near the airplane's maximum gross weight, the light tailwind condition, and the high density altitude likely extended the required ground roll and degraded the airplane's climb performance, which resulted in its inability to climb out of ground effect and clear the trees.
On May 24, 2014, about 1030 central daylight time, a Smythe Kitfox Classic IV experimental, amateur-built airplane, N998DS, impacted terrain after takeoff from a private airstrip near Slaughter, Louisiana. The pilot was not injured; however, the passenger sustained serious injuries. The airplane was substantially damaged. The airplane was registered to and operated by the pilot under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight, which was not operated on a flight plan. The flight was originating at the time of the accident. The intended destination was the Slaughter Airpark (LS77), Slaughter, Louisiana.The pilot reported that the accident occurred during a takeoff attempt to the northwest from an open field. He stated that during the takeoff roll he realized the airplane was not going to be able to clear the trees. In his attempt to avoid the trees, the right wing contacted the ground and the airplane cartwheeled. Although the engine was at full power, the airplane would not climb more than 20 feet above ground level (agl). According to the pilot, the field was comprised of 8-inch high grass. A 3-foot high fence was located about 1,000 feet from where he initiated the takeoff, and 60-foot tall trees were about 650 feet from the fence. The takeoff roll for the accident airplane was normally about 700 feet. The accident airplane was powered by a 65-horsepower Rotax model 582LC two-cylinder, two-stroke engine. The maximum gross weight for the airplane was 1,200 lbs. The pilot reported that the airplane weight at the time of the accident takeoff was 1,105 lbs. He stated that there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions associated with the airplane prior to the accident. The pilot reported a total flight time of 200 hours, with 45 hours in Kitfox airplanes. He had flown 34 hours and 12 hours within the preceding 90 days and 30 days, respectively. He held a private pilot certificate that was issued in January 2012. He had completed a flight review in a Kitfox airplane in March 2014. Federal Aviation Administration records indicated that the pilot purchased the accident airplane in January 2014. Weather conditions recorded at the Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport (BTR), located about 15 miles south of the accident site, at 0953, were: wind from 120 degrees at 5 knots; scattered clouds at 1,900 feet agl, scattered clouds at 3,800 feet agl, broken clouds at 4,500 feet agl; 10 miles visibility, temperature 25.0 degrees Celsius, dew point 20.6 degrees Celsius, altimeter 30.12 inches of mercury. The associated station pressure was 30.04 inches of mercury. The calculated density altitude was 1,350 feet. At 1053, the recorded weather conditions included: wind from 190 degrees at 5 knots; scattered clouds at 2,300 feet agl, broken clouds at 3,000 feet agl; 10 miles visibility; temperature 26.1 degrees Celsius; dew point 19.4 degrees Celsius; altimeter 30.11 inches of mercury; station pressure 30.03 inches of mercury. The associated density altitude was 1,464 feet. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airplane Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-3A) noted that ground effect is a condition of improved performance encountered when the airplane is operating very close to the ground. Due to the reduced drag in ground effect, the airplane may seem to be able to take off below the recommended airspeed. However, as the airplane rises out of ground effect with an insufficient airspeed, initial climb performance may prove to be marginal because of the increased drag. Under conditions of high-density altitude, high temperature, and/or maximum gross weight, the airplane may be able to become airborne at an insufficient airspeed, but unable to climb out of ground effect. Consequently, the airplane may not be able to clear obstructions, or may settle back on the runway.
The pilot’s inadequate preflight planning, which resulted in his attempt to takeoff in conditions under which the airplane was unable to attain a positive rate of climb and resulted in its failure to clear trees.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
Aviation Accidents App
In-Depth Access to Aviation Accident Reports
