Kitfox Model 4-1200, N234PB: Accident occurred November 23, 2017 at Mogollon Airpark (AZ82), Overgaard, Navajo County, Arizona

Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Scottsdale, Arizona

Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board: https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf 

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board: https://dms.ntsb.gov/pubdms

http://registry.faa.gov/N234PB

Location: Overgaard, AZ
Accident Number: GAA18CA056
Date & Time: 11/23/2017, 1100 MST
Registration: N234PB
Aircraft: BUEHLMANN PETER KITFOX MODEL 4 1200
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Loss of control on ground
Injuries: 2 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal 

Analysis

The pilot reported that, during the landing roll, the tailwheel equipped airplane veered to the right. He over corrected, the airplane exited the left side of the runway and ground looped to the left.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to fuselage and right wing.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. 

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll.

Findings

Aircraft
Directional control - Not attained/maintained (Cause)

Personnel issues
Aircraft control - Pilot (Cause)

Factual Information

History of Flight

Landing
Loss of control on ground (Defining event)
Attempted remediation/recovery
Runway excursion

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private
Age: 60, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: 4-point
Instrument Rating(s):  Airplane
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 3 Waiver Time Limited Special
Last FAA Medical Exam: 05/26/2016
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 11/18/2017
Flight Time:  (Estimated) 1767 hours (Total, all aircraft), 930 hours (Total, this make and model), 1566 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 20 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 6 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 2 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft) 

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Manufacturer: BUEHLMANN PETER
Registration: N234PB
Model/Series: KITFOX MODEL 4 1200 IV
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 2002
Amateur Built: Yes
Airworthiness Certificate: Experimental
Serial Number: ICU096
Landing Gear Type: Tailwheel
Seats: 2
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 10/17/2017, Condition
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 1200 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 900 Hours at time of accident
Engine Manufacturer: Rotax
ELT: C91  installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: 912
Registered Owner: On file
Rated Power: 80 hp
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None 

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KSOW, 6411 ft msl
Observation Time: 1755 UTC
Distance from Accident Site: 27 Nautical Miles
Direction from Accident Site: 107°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Temperature/Dew Point: 15°C / -1°C
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility: 10 Miles
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 5 knots, 360°
Visibility (RVR):
Altimeter Setting: 30.39 inches Hg
Visibility (RVV):
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: LAVEEN, AZ (AZ90)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Overgaard, AZ (AZ82)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 0915 MST
Type of Airspace: Class G

Airport Information

Airport: MOGOLLON AIRPARK (AZ82)
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 6657 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 21
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 3420 ft / 50 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: Full Stop 

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 2 None
Latitude, Longitude: 34.399444, -110.529444 (est)