Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain airplane control that resulted in a stall/spin following climb from the departure airport.
NTSB analysis
The personal flight in an experimental amateur-built airplane was underway when witnesses observed the airplane in a spin and without engine power. The airplane impacted the ground about 4 miles south of the departure airport. The airplane wreckage exhibited features consistent with a counterclockwise spin. Although witnesses reported they did not hear engine noise, postaccident examination of the airplane confirmed flight control continuity and found no mechanical anomalies with the engine that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN18LA150 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Apr 27, 2018
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Kalkaska, Michigan
- Nearest airport
- Kalkaska City Airport (Y89)
- Highest injury
- Fatal
- Fatal injuries
- 2
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built Kitfox V
- N-number
- N818TW
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2007
- Damage
- Destroyed
- 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.