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NTSB Report
August 4, 2009 · Rans S12 XL · N43377
Quitman, GA
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 4, 2009
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury), 1 uninjured
Location
Quitman, GA
Aircraft
Rans S12 XL
Tail Number
N43377
Operator
Howard Austin
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA09CA442
The pilot was making an approach to landing in day visual meteorological conditions. On the final leg of the traffic pattern, the pilot descended too low and impacted trees prior to the runway. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and wings. Neither the pilot nor a Federal Aviation Administration inspector, who examined the airplane after the accident, reported any preexisting malfunctions or mechanical anomalies. The nearest weather reporting facility, located approximately 16 nautical miles east of the accident location, reported calm winds, 10 statute miles visibility, and few clouds at 1,100 feet at the time of the accident.
NTSB Probable Cause
Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Descent/approach/glide path-Not attained/maintained - C
Full Narrative
The pilot was making an approach to landing in day visual meteorological conditions. On the final leg of the traffic pattern, the pilot descended too low and impacted trees prior to the runway. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and wings. Neither the pilot nor a Federal Aviation Administration inspector, who examined the airplane after the accident, reported any preexisting malfunctions or mechanical anomalies. The nearest weather reporting facility, located approximately 16 nautical miles east of the accident location, reported calm winds, 10 statute miles visibility, and few clouds at 1,100 feet at the time of the accident.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:00 EDT
Nearest AirportQuitman Brooks County (0nm)
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftRans S12 XL
Tail NumberN43377
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorHoward Austin
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsRotax · 582 · Reciprocating · 65
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury), 1 uninjured
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured1
Total2
Crew 1Age 82 · Sprt · Minor
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Altimeter30.09 inHg
Observation Time13:53
Weather SourceWFAC