Probable cause
The pilot's inadequate fuel system maintenance.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of the amateur-built Kit Fox II had been trouble-shooting an intermittent engine problem. He completed replacing the fuel hoses from the fuel tank to the carburetors. The in-line fuel filters were not installed at that time. The pilot elected to fly to a private airstrip that was 20 minutes away. Upon his return flight from the private strip, during initial climb, the engine experienced a partial loss of power. The pilot performed a forced landing into an area of small pine trees. The postaccident examination revealed that debris was lodged in the fuel inlet port of the carburetor, preventing normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for MIA08CA183 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Sep 5, 2008
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Deatville, Alabama
- Nearest airport
- Private Airstrip (NONE)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built Kit Fox II
- N-number
- N8188F
- Category
- Airplane
- 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.