Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during landing.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that, while landing the tailwheel-equipped airplane during the first test flight, the airplane bounced several times and he advanced the throttle. The airplane subsequently veered left off the runway and both wings sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. During a follow-up examination of the wreckage by an FAA inspector, no anomalies were found.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR24LA097 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Feb 14, 2024
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Mesa, Arizona
- Nearest airport
- Falcon Field (FFZ)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built KITFOX IV
- N-number
- N25EN
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2024
- 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.