Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain a proper approach altitude, which resulted in a collision with a fence.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that, during the approach, the airplane "caught a sudden down draft," and the tailwheel struck the top of a 5-ft-tall fence. Subsequently, the airplane nosed over.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing and empennage.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
The automated weather observation system located about 20 nautical miles from the accident site reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was from 190° at 3 knots. The pilot reported that the sky condition was clear, visibility unlimited, temperature 45°F, and wind was from 270° between 8 and 10 knots. The pilot landed to the west.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA18CA301 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 27, 2018
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Weippe, Idaho
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built SKYSTAR KITFOX SER 7
- N-number
- N103GE
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2003
- 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.