Probable cause
The pilot’s loss of control during a forced landing after a loss of engine power for undetermined reasons during takeoff.
NTSB analysis
The pilot initiated a 270-degree turn back to the runway after a partial loss of engine power during takeoff. As he was turning back, the engine continued to lose power and the pilot made a forced landing to a grass field. The pilot said that he was in control of the airplane until it was 15 to 20 feet above the ground when it lost lift, landed hard, and flipped over. A postaccident test run of the engine revealed no mechanical anomalies.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN11LA415 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Sep 24, 2011
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Lafayette, Louisiana
- Nearest airport
- Lafayette Regional (LFT)
- Highest injury
- Serious
- Serious injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built KITFOX IV
- N-number
- N211KF
- 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.