Amateur-built KITFOX IV 1200 SPDST accident near Raymond, Mississippi, September 5, 2017
On September 5, 2017 at about 11:35 pm local time, a 1994 amateur-built KITFOX IV 1200 SPDST, registered N16KR, was substantially damaged in an accident during initial climb near Raymond, Mississippi (Private airport). It was a personal flight under general aviation rules (Part 91). No one was hurt; 1 person was on board or involved. The weather was visual conditions (good weather).
The NTSB's probable cause their words, unchanged
A total loss of engine power during initial climb 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 5, 2017 · about 11:35 pm local time
- Place
- Raymond, Mississippi · Private · map
- Type
- Accident
- Injuries
- No one was hurt; 1 person was on board or involved.
- Weather
- visual conditions (good weather)
- Aircraft
- Amateur-built KITFOX IV 1200 SPDST, built 1994
- Registration
- N16KR · no longer on the register · serial LBS084
- Damage
- Substantial damage
- Flight
- Personal flight · general aviation rules (Part 91)
The NTSB's narrative final · quoted from the NTSB record
The pilot stated that, after takeoff, the engine lost partial power at an altitude about 250 ft above ground level. He attempted to restore power by adjusting the throttle but was unsuccessful. Shortly thereafter, the engine lost all power and the pilot performed a forced landing to a field. During the landing roll, the airplane impacted a log and nosed over, resulting in substantial damage to the left wing and fuselage. Postaccident examination and test run of the engine revealed no evidence of preimpact failure or malfunction that would have precluded normal operation. Atmospheric conditions at the time of the accident were conducive to light carburetor icing at cruise or descent power; however, the airplane was operating at takeoff power at the time of the power loss. Thus, the reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined based on the available information.
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
- Off-field or emergency landing during initial climb
The NTSB's findings
- Not determined › Not determined › (general) › (general) › Unknown/Not determined
Pilot
- Certificate: sport pilot
- Ratings: single-engine land
- Flight time: 2,100 hours in all; 176 in this make and model; 2,100 as pilot in command
- Last flight review: October 10, 2015
- Medical certificate: Sport Pilot (without waivers/limitations)
- Seat: left
- Injury: no injuries
The aircraft
- Airframe total time: 607 hours
- Last inspection: condition inspection, August 22, 2017; 3 hours since
- Maximum gross weight: 1,200 lb
- Seats: 2
- Landing gear: fixed
- Engine: Rotax 912 UL (piston); 610 hours total
The flight
- Departed from: PVT Raymond MS at 11:25 pm
- Destination: PVT Raymond MS
- Flight plan: none
Weather at the time
- Light: daylight
- Visibility: 8 statute miles
- Temperature: 84°F (29°C), dew point 79°F (26°C)
- Altimeter: 29.87 inHg
- Observation at 11:35 pm from JVW, 9 miles away
Injuries
| Fatal | Serious | Minor | None | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flight crew | 1 |
Documents from the investigation the NTSB's docket: the evidence folder behind the report
5 documents, released by the NTSB on October 9, 2020. 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.
| # | Document | What it is | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pilot/operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 | PDF, 10 pages | View Download |
| 2 | Pilot's Statement | PDF, 1 page | View Download |
| 3 | Memorandum for Record - FAA Inspector | PDF, 1 page | View Download |
| 4 | Excerpt from Airplane Maintenance Logbook | PDF, 1 page | View Download |
| 5 | Photos | PDF, 5 pages | View Download |
The same docket at the NTSB · documents without a copy here are fetched from the NTSB when you open them.
Other NTSB records under N16KR the same tail number, which may have belonged to a different aircraft at the time
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.