The student pilot attempted a personal flight in a Kitfox, which did not have an airworthiness certificate. Additionally, he did not have the required student pilot solo endorsements for solo flight.
A witness told investigators the student pilot performed a successful run-up before takeoff from the airport in Scottsburg, Indiana.
During the takeoff, the airplane lifted off when it was about halfway down the runway and climbed to about tree top level.
A few seconds later, the right wing dropped and the plane descended into terrain in a nose-down attitude.
The engine continued to operate after the impact until the witness turned the magnetos and fuel selector valve off.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, while the student pilot sustained serious injuries in the crash.
Probable Cause: The student pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control after takeoff that resulted in an impact with terrain.
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This August 2023 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
I will never forget a story about another student who taught himself to fly using crow hops. One day he finally took flight an landed successfully at a nearby field. To get home, he lifted the tail of the airplane; rotated the plane 180 degrees and flew home.
Ahhh, ultralight early days. It’s a wonder that any of us are still alive.
Jerry King
Student of what? His last endorsement was about 20 years old. No medical, nor did he think he could get one. Hat day was also his first flight in a year. The witness was his son.
I can hear it now….”I did a stupid thing”.
Dumb He is lucky he is alive and did not hurt anyone else…..!