Probable cause
Failure of the left main landing gear strut due to a pre-existing crack in the weld joint.
NTSB analysis
The pilot was landing his single-engine experimental airplane in calm wind conditions, when the left main gear collapsed upon touchdown. The airplane veered to the right and the pilot attempted to keep the airplane on the runway by applying engine power and right aileron; however, the airplane exited the runway and spun, which resulted in structural damage to the fuselage. A postaccident examination of the left main landing gear strut revealed that the strut failed due to a pre-existing crack in the weld joint. The crack would not have been readily visible to the pilot during a pre-flight inspection due to the construction of the strut. The bracing around the strut exhibited signs of distress with twisted and shiny fracture surfaces. No other anomalies were found with the airplane.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN11CA143 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jan 2, 2011
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Carlisle, Arkansas
- Nearest airport
- Carlisle Municipal (4M3)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built KITFOX III
- N-number
- N876KF
- 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.