Amateur-built Kitfox Speedster accident near Morrisville, Vermont, September 7, 2009
On September 7, 2009 at about 8:30 pm local time, a amateur-built Kitfox Speedster, registered N43KA, was substantially damaged in an accident during initial climb near Morrisville, Vermont (Morrisville-Stowe airport). It was a personal flight under general aviation rules (Part 91). 1 person was seriously injured. The weather was visual conditions (good weather).
The NTSB's probable cause their words, unchanged
A total loss of engine power during the initial climb after takeoff for undetermined reasons.
Source: NTSB aviation accident database, copy made October 5, 2026. Docket and reports at the NTSB.
What the record shows
- Date
- September 7, 2009 · about 8:30 pm local time
- Place
- Morrisville, Vermont · Morrisville-Stowe · map
- Type
- Accident
- Injuries
- 1 person was seriously injured.
- Weather
- visual conditions (good weather)
- Aircraft
- Amateur-built Kitfox Speedster
- Registration
- N43KA · registry record · serial ACS 096
- Damage
- Substantial damage
- Flight
- Personal flight · general aviation rules (Part 91)
The NTSB's narrative final · quoted from the NTSB record
During the initial climb after takeoff the experimental, amateur-built airplane climbed to an altitude of approximately 100 feet and experienced a momentary loss of engine power, which was followed by a total loss of engine power. The airplane was in a left turn when it stalled and subsequently struck hay bales. The airplane came to rest about 350 feet from the end of the departure runway. The engine was pushed aft into the firewall and the airframe sustained significant distortion. Examination of the wreckage, which included a detailed examination of the non-certificated engine, did not reveal any mechanical deficiencies which would have resulted in a complete loss of engine power. The airplane had been operated for about 510 total hours, and 3 hours since its most recent condition inspection, which was performed about 6 months prior to the accident.
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
- Loss of engine power (total) during initial climb defining event
- Loss of control in flight during initial climb
- 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
Pilot
- Certificate: private
- Ratings: single-engine land; instrument: airplane
- Flight time: 1,050 hours in all; 500 in this make and model; 29 in the last 90 days; 12 in the last 30 days
- Last flight review: February 23, 2009
- Medical certificate: Class 3 (with waivers/limitations)
- Seat: left
- Injury: serious injuries
The aircraft
- Airframe total time: 510 hours
- Last inspection: condition inspection, March 1, 2009; 3 hours since
- Maximum gross weight: 1,200 lb
- Seats: 2
- Landing gear: fixed
- Engine: Rotax 912 (piston); 0 hours total
The flight
- Departed from: MVL Morrisville VT at 8:30 pm
- Destination: MVL Morrisville VT
- Flight plan: none
- Runway 01, 3,701 ft by 75 ft
Weather at the time
- Light: daylight
- Wind: from 310° at 3 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Sky: a few clouds at 4,700 ft
- Temperature: 73°F (23°C), dew point 54°F (12°C)
- Altimeter: 30.17 inHg
- Observation at 8:54 pm from MVL
Injuries
| Fatal | Serious | Minor | None | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flight crew | 1 |
Documents from the investigation the NTSB's docket: the evidence folder behind the report
The docket, the folder of records gathered during an investigation (maintenance records, photographs, witness statements, examinations), has not been read from the NTSB for this case yet; the list appears here once it has. Open the docket at the NTSB.
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.