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Accidents · NTSB CEN17FA208 · Final report

Amateur-built Kitfox accident near New Berlin, Texas, June 3, 2017

On June 3, 2017 at about 9:30 pm local time, a 2000 amateur-built Kitfox, registered N956ML, was destroyed in an accident during initial climb near New Berlin, Texas (Heritage Airpark airport). It was a personal flight under general aviation rules (Part 91). 1 person was killed. The weather was visual conditions (good weather).

The NTSB's probable cause their words, unchanged

A total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information, and the pilot's subsequent failure to maintain adequate airspeed, which resulted in the airplane exceeding its critical angle of attack and experiencing an aerodynamic stall/spin.

Source: NTSB aviation accident database, copy made October 5, 2026. Docket and reports at the NTSB.

What the record shows

Date
June 3, 2017 · about 9:30 pm local time
Place
New Berlin, Texas · Heritage Airpark · map
Type
Accident
Injuries
1 person was killed.
Weather
visual conditions (good weather)
Aircraft
Amateur-built Kitfox Series 5, built 2000
Registration
N956ML · no longer on the register · serial S9407-0038
Damage
Destroyed
Flight
Personal flight · general aviation rules (Part 91)

The NTSB's narrative final · quoted from the NTSB record

The private pilot departed on the local flight to practice touch-and-go takeoffs and landings in the experimental, amateur-built airplane. The airplane impacted flat, open terrain just after takeoff and was consumed by a post-impact fire. There were no witnesses to the accident. The wreckage was confined to a small area, and the orientation of the wreckage was consistent with an aerodynamic stall and spin. Examination of the airframe revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunctions or failures. Engine drive train continuity was established. The propeller blades and spinner did not exhibit evidence of rotation at the time of impact. The damage precluded a thorough examination of the engine ignition system.The pilot's wife said that the pilot had been having ignition issues with the airplane, and described them as the engine missing or quitting entirely during high-powered run-ups. An acquaintance of the pilot reported that the pilot had resolved the ignition problem; however, the pilot did not specify how he had done so. There was no record that the airframe or engine had received a condition inspection in the previous 12 years, and the pilot did not hold a current flight review. Given the orientation of the wreckage and the lack of rotational signatures on the propeller blades, it is likely that the engine experienced a total loss of power just after takeoff. The reason for the loss of power could not be determined based on the available evidence. Following the loss of power, the pilot failed to maintain adequate airspeed, which resulted in exceeding the airplane's critical angle of attack and a subsequent aerodynamic stall and subsequent spin.

The complete narrative as the NTSB published it. The NTSB's docket holds the report as a PDF and any photographs, statements and other documents from the investigation.

The factual record from the NTSB's investigation tables, in plain English

What happened, in order

  1. Aerodynamic stall/spin during initial climb defining event
  2. Collision with terrain or object (not controlled flight into terrain) during uncontrolled descent

The NTSB's findings

  • cause Not determined › Not determined › (general) › (general) › Unknown/Not determined
  • cause Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability › Performance/control parameters › Engine out control › Not attained/maintained
  • cause Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability › Performance/control parameters › Airspeed › Not attained/maintained
  • cause Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability › Performance/control parameters › Angle of attack › Not attained/maintained

Pilot

  • Certificate: private
  • Ratings: multi-engine land; multi-engine sea; single-engine land
  • Flight time: 1,138 hours in all; 211 in this make and model; 1,062 as pilot in command
  • Last flight review: November 9, 2014
  • Medical certificate: Class 3
  • Seat: left
  • Injury: fatal

The aircraft

  • Last inspection: condition inspection, April 23, 2005
  • Maximum gross weight: 1,550 lb
  • Seats: 2
  • Landing gear: fixed
  • Engine: Subaru Nsi Ram Performance SHO EA81 (piston); 0 hours total
  • Fire on the ground

The flight

  • Departed from: TE86 New Berlin TX at 9:30 pm
  • Destination: TE86 New Berlin TX
  • Flight plan: none
  • Runway 17, 3,100 ft by 70 ft

Weather at the time

  • Light: daylight
  • Wind: from 220° at 3 knots
  • Visibility: 10 statute miles
  • Sky: broken clouds at 20,000 ft; a few clouds at 4,800 ft
  • Temperature: 90°F (32°C), dew point 68°F (20°C)
  • Altimeter: 29.87 inHg
  • Observation at 7:58 pm from KRND

Injuries

FatalSeriousMinorNone
Flight crew1

Documents from the investigation the NTSB's docket: the evidence folder behind the report

8 documents, released by the NTSB on March 20, 2018. View them here, or download them; the NTSB redacts some personal details before release, and this site shows the NTSB's own titles rather than its file names.

The same docket at the NTSB · documents without a copy here are fetched from the NTSB when you open them.

Everything on this page comes from the NTSB's public records. The narrative, probable cause and findings are the NTSB's own words; the coded tables behind the report are written out in plain English, with pilots' ages, home towns and medical details left out. The documents and photographs are the NTSB's docket, shown as the NTSB released them. This site's own text never names anyone involved. A preliminary report can change; the final report usually follows one to two years later, and the page is refreshed when it does.