Primary finding
Probable cause
the failure of the pilot-in-command (CFI) to maintain directional control. A factor related to the accident was the inadvertent interference with the flight controls by the student pilot.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The certified flight instructor was attempting to land the airplane after the student pilot's first instructional flight. During the landing attempt a gust of wind raised the left wing. The flight instructor could not level the wings because the student had his leg against the control stick. The instructor landed in a soft field next to the runway, and the airplane nosed-over.
Source record
Factual narrative
On March 20, 1994, at 1100 central standard time, a Defelici Kit Fox III, sustained substantial damage when it nosed-over after the pilot lost control of the airplane on landing at the Green Castle Airport, Oxford, Iowa. Neither the certified flight instructor nor the student aboard the airplane were injured. No flight plan was filed for the local instructional flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time. The flight instructor reported a gust of wind lifted the left wing as he was attempting to land, and the student's leg against the control stick prevented him from levelling the wings. He stated he told the student to get his leg off the stick, and attempted to land the airplane in a field beside the runway. He said the airplane nosed-over on touchdown. -