Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's inadequate remedial action. Factors include the pilot's failure to maintain directional control, and unfavorable winds.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
While flaring for landing in variable wind conditions, the pilot of the kitfox was unable to maintain directional control. His remedial action taken to regain control was not adequate to keep the aircraft from departing the runway. After departing the runway the aircraft flipped over.
Source record
Factual narrative
On June 1, 1994, approximately 1310 Pacific daylight time (PDT), a Kopp Kitfox II, N56MD, flipped over during a landing at Bremerton National Airport, Bremerton, Washington. The private pilot, who was the sole occupant of the aircraft, received minor injuries, and the aircraft sustained substantial damage. The personal pleasure flight, which departed Sanderson Field, Shelton, Washington about 1250 PDT, was in visual meteorological conditions at the time of the accident. No flight plan had been filed, and there was no report of an ELT activation. The pilot said that he encountered a crosswind while landing, and was unable to maintain directional control. He added power in an attempt to recover, but the aircraft ground looped and flipped over. -