Probable cause
The pilot's continued flight into a severe downdraft at low altitude after encountering tailwind over the area.
NTSB analysis
The pilot was conducting aerial observation of his pipeline head gate to check for debris. He overflew the area at 150 feet above ground level (agl) and "observed a light tailwind and no downdraft." He performed a left 360 degree turn and flew over the area a second time between 50 and 60 feet agl. The airplane encountered a "severe downdraft" and settled into terrain. The right wing spar was broken in the impact, as was the right main landing gear and nosewheel. The propeller was destroyed. The pilot reported no mechanical anomalies with the airplane.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN09CA528 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 16, 2009
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Crawford, Colorado
- Nearest airport
- Crawford (99V)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built KITFOX
- N-number
- N39FM
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.