N389HWWing Harold KITFOX MODEL 2

On the pilot's first landing, the tail wheel touched down first and the airplane bounced on the main gear, then rotated to the right. The pilot applied left rudder and added power in an attempt to go-around. The right main gear and right wing tip struck the ground, and the airplane nosed down, shearing off the propeller before coming to rest on the nose. The pilot said there was nothing mechanically wrong with the airplane. Postaccident examination revealed the right wing spar, outboard of the lift strut, and the ribs were broken.

The float-equipped airplane was on a local area flight when the pilot noted a partial loss of engine power. The pilot's corrective actions did not restore full engine power and the airplane was unable to maintain altitude. He reduced engine power to flight idle and entered a rapid descent into a nearby lake. He noted that the engine continued to operate while in the flight idle position. He reported that due to the size constraints of the lake, the landing was "necessarily firm" and that the airplane nosed over shortly after touchdown. The fuselage primary structure, left horizontal stabilizer, right float and support structure, and left wing spar were substantially damaged during the accident. A post-accident inspection confirmed flight control continuity existed between the cockpit controls and the individual flight control surfaces. Fuel system continuity was established between the fuel control and carburetor. No mechanical malfunctions or failures were identified with the engine during the post-accident inspection.