Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control of the tailwheel airplane during takeoff from a narrow runway with a crosswind, which resulted in a runway excursion and collision with terrain.
NTSB analysis
The pilot stated that, during takeoff from a 40-ft-wide runway and just as he lifted the tailwheel off the ground, the airplane immediately turned left and departed the runway. The airplane bounced hard and fractured the right main landing gear, coming to rest upright in a corn field. There was a right crosswind at the time of departure and the right wing lifted as soon as the tailwheel left the ground.
During a postaccident examination of the airplane, flight control continuity was established to all flight controls and no preimpact mechanical malfunctions were identified. The right main landing gear was fractured off and the brake line was severed. Both wheels spun freely and the brakes were not seized up.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA24LA316 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 19, 2024
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Palmyra, Pennsylvania
- Nearest airport
- Reigle Fld (58N)
- Highest injury
- Fatal
- Fatal injuries
- 1
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built KITFOX MODEL IV
- N-number
- N788KF
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2010
- 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.