Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain airplane control during an attempted go-around.
NTSB analysis
The pilot stated that the airplane bounced on landing and then veered to the left. He applied full power and attempted to go around, but the airplane banked sharply to the right and impacted a creek adjacent to the runway. The pilot sustained serious injuries, and the airplane sustained minor damage to the left wing tip, engine cowling, and propeller. The pilot said that his flying skills had diminished and that he lost control of the airplane. He also said there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane or engine that would have precluded normal operation at the time of the accident.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA19TA114 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Mar 2, 2019
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Merritt Island, Florida
- Nearest airport
- Merritt Island (COI)
- Highest injury
- Serious
- Serious injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built KITFOX
- N-number
- N93XL
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2009
- 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.