| Crash location | 34.729445°N, 92.224445°W |
| Nearest city | Little Rock, AR
34.746481°N, 92.289595°W 3.9 miles away |
| Tail number | N5278U |
|---|---|
| Accident date | 13 Nov 2002 |
| Aircraft type | Larson Kitfox III |
| Additional details: | None |
On November 13, 2002, at 1630 central standard time, a Larson Kitfox III, experimental homebuilt airplane, N5278U, impacted the terrain northwest of the east runway following a loss of control during an inadvertent takeoff from a private grass airstrip near Little Rock, Arkansas. The airplane was owned and operated by a private individual under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. The private pilot, sole occupant of the airplane, received serious injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a flight plan was not filed. The personal flight originated at the time of the accident.
On the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2) the operator reported that the pilot wanted to taxi the tailwheel-equipped airplane. After becoming airborne, "apparently due to a gust of wind," the airplane "appeared to be flying just above the stall speed" approximately 100-200 feet agl. Beyond the east end of the departure runway, the airplane circled left and then back toward the runway. As the airplane flew over the tree line adjacent to the runway, the "wing stalled and the airplane spun " to the ground.
Witnesses called 911. Witnesses and local authorities responded to the scene.
The FAA inspector, who responded to the accident site, confirmed flight control continuity. Physical evidence of fuel was found in the area of the accident site. The outboard portion of the right wing and the cockpit was destroyed. No pre-impact discrepancies were found.
The private pilot had accumulated 3,500 hours total flight time with zero flight time in the make and model of the accident airplane.
An FAA experimental airworthiness certificate was issued for the airplane in 1994. On February 4, 2001, the last annual inspection was performed at an accumulate aircraft time of 83.0 hours. The airplane had flown 14.9 hours since the inspection. The airplane was powered by a 64 horsepower Rotax 582 LC engine.
On the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2) the operator reported the wind from the southwest at 5-10 knots. At 1553, the local weather observation facility at Little Rock (LIT) reported the wind from 190 degrees at 6 knots, visibility 10 statute miles, clouds few at 25,000 feet, temperature 18 degrees Celsius, dew point 03 degrees Celsius, and the altimeter setting 30.22 inches of Mercury.
The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during an intentional taxi resulting in the inadvertent lift-off of the airplane and subsequent inadvertent stall. Contributing factors were the pilot's lack of total experience in the make and model of aircraft, and the wind.