Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff from a rough, dirt airstrip.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during the takeoff roll on a rough, dirt airstrip, the airplane encountered a "hump" and bounced prematurely. He added that, when the airplane touched back down, one of the tires hit a "rut," and the airplane veered left toward a tall sage brush. He further added that he "didn't correct direction properly" and attempted to rotate the airplane "early" to clear the sage brush, but the airplane's main landing gear impacted the sage brush, which resulted in a nose-over.
The fuselage and left wing sustained substantial damage.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA17CA424 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 18, 2017
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Owyhee, Oregon
- Nearest airport
- Owyhee Reservoir State (28U)
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Dawn
Amateur-built KITFOX SERIES 7
- N-number
- N702KF
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2002
- 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.