SEA97LA062

Factual narrative

On February 22, 1997, approximately 1610 mountain standard time, a Hall Kitfox, N87TJ, registered to and being flown by a private pilot, sustained substantial damage during collision with terrain during the initial climbout following takeoff from a private airstrip approximately 5 nautical miles north of Billings, Montana. The pilot was seriously injured and the passenger sustained minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The flight, which was personal, was to have been operated under 14CFR91, and originated from a private airstrip located adjacent to the accident site. The pilot reported in an interview with an FAA inspector following the accident that he "had monitored Billings weather prior to takeoff" and that "he took off and made a slight left turn then an easy right turn at about 100 feet AGL (above ground) with an airspeed of approximately 60 knots." He reported further that he "recalled losing elevator and flaperon control between the house and the grain elevators" and that he recalled "he had some rudder control." The pilot's wife, who witnessed the accident, reported that the aircraft took off to the east and confirmed that the aircraft made a left turn followed by a right turn after takeoff. She reported (statement dated 02/28/97) that "he continued in the turn past the house (and) was parallel with the hangar, when the plane suddenly lost all lift (and) dropped to the ground." In her earlier statement to the FAA (02/26/97) she stated that "he flew past the house, continued the right hand turn, was approximately 100-150 feet above ground directly parallel with the hangar, when the plane just fell from the sky." The pilot reported no mechanical malfunction with the aircraft during the event (NTSB Form 6120.1/2). The 1624 hours special observation for the Billings Logan airport ( five nautical miles south of the accident site) reported winds of 050 degrees magnetic at 13 knots. At 1656 hours the winds were reported as 070 degrees magnetic at 14 knots. And, at 1556 hours the winds were reported as 050 degrees magnetic at 12 knots. The pilot reported that he had 'monitored the weather at Billings' (located 5 nm south of the crash site). Winds at Billings near the time of the accident were reported as out of the northeast at 13 knots. The pilot further reported that immediately after takeoff to the east he made a slight left turn and then an 'easy right turn at about 100 feet AGL.' The altitude of 100-150 feet was confirmed by a witness. During the crosswind/downwind turn the aircraft descended into the terrain. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database (Pre-2008 Archive) Retrieved: 2026-02-12