Amateur-built KITFOX accident near Agua Caliente Springs, California, November 27, 2009
On November 27, 2009 at about 5:00 pm local time, a amateur-built KITFOX, registered N7824L, was substantially damaged in an accident during approach (VFR pattern final) near Agua Caliente Springs, California (Agua Caliente Springs airport). It was a personal flight under general aviation rules (Part 91). 1 person had minor injuries; 1 other was unhurt. The weather was visual conditions (good weather).
The NTSB's probable cause their words, unchanged
The pilot's failure to maintain an adequate glide path that ensured obstacle clearance during final approach to land.
Source: NTSB aviation accident database, copy made October 5, 2026. Docket and reports at the NTSB.
What the record shows
- Date
- November 27, 2009 · about 5:00 pm local time
- Place
- Agua Caliente Springs, California · Agua Caliente Springs · map
- Type
- Accident
- Injuries
- 1 person had minor injuries; 1 other was unhurt.
- Weather
- visual conditions (good weather)
- Aircraft
- Amateur-built KITFOX
- Registration
- N7824L · no longer on the register · serial S70208-015
- Damage
- Substantial damage
- Flight
- Personal flight · general aviation rules (Part 91)
The NTSB's narrative final · quoted from the NTSB record
The pilot of the experimental airplane reported that he observed the airport windsock during the downwind leg for landing, and determined the winds to be light and variable. He maneuvered the airplane from base to final on an approach path that he deemed suitable for a short field landing. He reported that the airplane encountered a downdraft as he approached within 100 feet of his intended touchdown zone. He attempted recovery by increasing engine power, but the landing gear struck a berm. He then applied full engine power, and the airplane struck a second berm, collided with the ground, and came to rest just beyond the beginning of the runway. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings and the fuselage during the accident sequence. The pilot reported that the airplane and engine had no mechanical failures or malfunctions prior to the accident. He further stated that the accident could have been prevented if he had reviewed the airport guide, which referenced the existence of runway obstructions, and adjusted his landing approach accordingly.
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
- Collision during takeoff/land during approach (VFR pattern final) defining event
The NTSB's findings
- cause Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability › Performance/control parameters › Descent/approach/glide path › Not attained/maintained
- cause Personnel issues › Task performance › Use of equip/info › Aircraft control › Pilot
Pilot
- Certificate: private
- Ratings: single-engine land
- Flight time: 1,200 hours in all; 400 in this make and model; 9 in the last 90 days; 8 in the last 30 days; 1,200 as pilot in command
- Medical certificate: Class 3 (with waivers/limitations)
- Seat: left
- Injury: minor injuries
The aircraft
- Airframe total time: 170 hours
- Last inspection: condition inspection, May 18, 2009; 65 hours since
- Maximum gross weight: 1,320 lb
- Seats: 2
- Landing gear: fixed
- Engine: Rotax 912ULS (piston); 0 hours total
The flight
- Departed from: SEE El Cajon CA at 3:45 pm
- Destination: L54 Agua Caliente Springs CA
- Flight plan: none
- Runway 11, 2,500 ft by 60 ft
Weather at the time
- Light: daylight
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Sky: clear
- Temperature: 66°F (19°C), dew point 18°F (-8°C)
- Altimeter: 30.04 inHg
- Observation at 4:53 pm from RNM, 32 miles away
Injuries
| Fatal | Serious | Minor | None | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flight crew | 1 | |||
| Passengers | 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.