Vanwinkle KITFOX accident near Mt Vernon, IL
On July 30, 1996, a Vanwinkle KITFOX (airplane) was involved in an accident near Mt Vernon, IL. 1 person died. Damage to the aircraft: destroyed.
- Date
- July 30, 1996
- Place
- Mt Vernon, IL
- Aircraft
- Vanwinkle KITFOX · Airplane
- Injuries
- 1 fatal, 0 serious, 0 minor
- Damage
- Destroyed
- Position
- 38.309°N, 88.910°W
- NTSB ID
- 20001208X06201
NTSB summary
On July 30, 1996, at 1150 central daylight time, a VanWinkle Kitfox, N8200Q, piloted by a private pilot, was declared missing. The airplane was found on August 1, 1996, about 3 to 4 miles north of its departure airport. The airplane had been destroyed during a collision with the trees, ground, and a post-impact fire. The personal 14 CFR Part 91 flight was not operating on a flight plan. The pilot was fatally injured. The flight departed Mt. Vernon, Illinois, on July 30, 1996, exact time unknown. An eye-witness said he observed N8200Q flying level at an altitude similar to that of airplanes flying around the airport near his home. He said the airplane suddenly pitched down and descended at an approximate 70 degree angle. He said the descent looked controlled, like a crop-duster he has observed in the past. The witness said the airplane went below a tree line and didn't come up. He said he didn't call the authorities because he didn't hear a crashing sound or see smoke. The witness said the weather was clear with full sunshine. The on-scene inspection was conducted by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Principal Maintenance Inspector (PMI). According to the PMI, "...the controls had continuity in all respects." He said, "The fuselage had been consumed by fire and the engine had been burned so that all hoses and wiring were destroyed." He said he observed mechanical continuity within the engine. The Jefferson County Coroner is also an FAA Designated Medical Examiner. He said he turned the accident pilot down on an FAA medical certificate examination due to heart disease.
Probable cause
failure of the pilot to maintain control of the airplane.
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Browse: Illinois
Source: NTSB aviation accident database (US government, public domain). Findings may be preliminary or later revised by the NTSB. Not a complete global record.
