Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain attitude control during the landing roll. A contributing factor was the pilot's lack of training and experience in this airplane make and model.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that during the three point landing roll he failed to hold the stick all the way back, applied the brakes, and the airplane nosed down. The pilot stated the, "forward momentum caused him to apply the brakes harder." He further stated this was his first flight in this airplane make and model, and that he had not received any training in the airplane. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the vertical stabilizer and rudder.
The pilot reported no pre-impact mechanical failures or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA15CA087 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 22, 2015
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Mcleansboro, Illinois
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built KITFOX
- N-number
- N4100T
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1990
- 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.