Probable cause
The pilot's improper decision to takeoff with a quartering tailwind and failure to maintain aircraft control. Contributing to the accident were the gusting tailwind and operating the airplane near maximum gross weight.
NTSB analysis
The private pilot and non-rated passenger were departing the airfield on runway 24. After becoming airborne they encountered several wind gusts. The pilot failed to control the airplane causing the float-equipped airplane to catch one of the floats in the trees at the departure end of the runway. The airplane nosed over and impacted the ground. The pilot was not injured, the passenger received minor injuries, and the airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage frame forward of the cockpit. The pilot stated the airplane was being operated near maximum gross weight and that there was a quartering tailwind with gusts occurring during the takeoff.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for DEN08CA093 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 24, 2008
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Flyingbar Ranch, Missouri
- Nearest airport
- Dummy (m02)
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built 1200
- N-number
- N108KX
- 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.