Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing flare. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s delay in aborting the landing.
NTSB analysis
The pilot was practicing takeoffs and landings when the accident occurred. During the landing flare, the airplane drifted to the left of the runway centerline. The pilot overcorrected to the right before applying full power in an attempt to go around. The left main wheel contacted grass on the left side of the runway, and the airplane ground looped to the right. The firewall and the lower fuselage longerons sustained substantial damage.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN12CA482 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 25, 2012
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Weatherford, Texas
- Nearest airport
- Parker County (KWEA)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built Sky Star Kitfox
- N-number
- N4454U
- 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.