Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll, which resulted in a runway excursion and a collision with terrain.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that his wheel landing was "smooth and straight," but when the tailwheel touched down the airplane drifted to the right. As the landing roll progressed, the airplane veered sharply to the right. He stated that he attempted to correct with rudder input, but the airplane veered off the runway to the right, ground looped, and the left wing impacted terrain. The left wing sustained substantial damage.
The pilot stated that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA15CA210 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 29, 2015
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Jackpot, Nevada
- Nearest airport
- Jackpot/Hayden Field (06U)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built KITFOX III
- N-number
- N991RK
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1992
- 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.