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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

April 9, 2011 · Rans S12 XL · N3581S

Fort Collins, CO

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 9, 2011
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Fort Collins, CO
Aircraft
Rans S12 XL
Tail Number
N3581S
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN11CA289

The pilot reported that he was conducting an off-airport precautionary landing due to an unanticipated gusting wind and turbulence. Just before touchdown the pilot made a sudden right turn to avoid a single-wire electric livestock fence when the right wing stalled and he lost control. The airplane then impacted terrain causing substantial damage to the fuselage frame, both wings, and the engine mount. The pilot stated that he had more experience in weight-shift control light sport airplanes and that the throttle in that type of aircraft was controlled with the right foot. He commented that during the sudden right turn he might have inadvertently applied full right rudder thinking that he was applying full throttle. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical anomalies or failures with the airplane.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's inadvertent application of full right rudder during landing, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and impact with terrain.

Full Narrative

The pilot reported that he was executing an off-airport precautionary landing due to unanticipated gusty winds and turbulence. Just before touchdown the pilot made a sudden right turn to avoid a single wire electric livestock fence when "the right wing then suddenly stalled" and control was lost. The airplane impacted terrain causing substantial damage to the fuselage frame, both wings, and the engine mount, but remained upright. The pilot stated that he had more experience in weight shift control light sport airplanes and that the throttle in that type of aircraft was controlled with the right foot. He commented that during the sudden right turn he might have inadvertently applied full right rudder thinking that he was applying full throttle. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical anomalies or failures with the airplane.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:20 MDT
Nearest AirportYankee Field Airport (1nm)
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftRans S12 XL
Tail NumberN3581S
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsRotax · 582 · Reciprocating · 65
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 65 · None · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind150° @ 9 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point63 F / 39 C
Altimeter29.54 inHg
Observation Time18:55
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data