Left Wing Tip Impacted The Ground During Attempt To Avoid Obstacles

Location: Prescott, WA Accident Number: WPR20LA122
Date & Time: 04/09/2020, 1130 PDT Registration: N9065F
Aircraft: Buckman Bucks Special Injuries: 2 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Instructional

On April 9, 2020, about 1130 Pacific daylight time, a Buckman Bucks Special (Kitfox) airplane, N9065F, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident at a private grass strip near Prescott, Washington. The flight instructor and pilot were not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

According to the pilot, during takeoff from a grass strip and shortly after becoming airborne, the airplane was not able to climb. The pilot then initiated a left turn to avoid trees and powerlines at the end of the strip. The left wing tip impacted the ground during the turn resulting in a hard landing and subsequent noseover. The pilot reported a lack of performance that would not allow the airplane to gain altitude.

A postaccident examination of the airplane revealed substantial damage to both wings and vertical stabilizer.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov