Kitfox

Lightweight design ensures agile performance and short-field capability.

Popular kit-built two-seater has been on the market for more than 40 years.

Designed for STOL performance, the experimental high-wing reaches remote destinations.

KFA’s Safari XL features a luggage door and weighs in at 1,543 pounds.

The STOL Drag National Championship at the Stihl National Championship Air Races at Reno brought competitors in from across the U.S. last week.

The airplane sustained substantial damage when it impacted terrain at about 1317 Pacific time. The solo private pilot was seriously injured. Visual conditions prevailed. The pilot later reported delaying his takeoff until the windsock indicated favorable winds. The pilot stated the initial climb appeared to be normal until about 200 to 300 feet agl when the airplane suddenly began to lose altitude.

The private pilot was landing in calm wind conditions when the left main gear collapsed. The airplane veered to the right and, although the pilot attempted to keep the airplane on the runway by applying engine power and right aileron, it went off the runway and spun, resulting in structural damage to the fuselage.

At about 1421 Mountain time, the airplane was substantially damaged when it impacted terrain shortly after takeoff. The private pilot/owner received serious injuries. Visual conditions prevailed.According to witnesses, the airplanes initial climb “didnt look right.” They reported the airplane climbed to about 250 feet agl and appeared to “crab to the left.” The right wing dropped and the airplane descended to the ground.

At 1750 Central time, the airplane collided with the ground while maneuvering. Visual conditions prevailed. The airplane was substantially damaged and the private pilot was killed. A witness observed the airplane approaching his house and reported its fuselage was swaying from left to right. The airplane then made a steep left turn, with its left wing appearing perpendicular to the ground. The airplane reversed its course and leveled out. The wings were observed to wobble, then the airplane pitched down and collided with the ground in a nose-down attitude.

The airplane was destroyed at approximately 0925 Mountain time when it departed controlled flight while maneuvering and impacted terrain. Visual conditions prevailed; the pilot and passenger suffered fatal injuries. Witnesses said they saw the airplane performing aerobatic maneuvers at low altitude. The witnesses then saw the airplane descend in a nose-low attitude and impact terrain at the edge of a lake….