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NTSB Report
April 4, 2020 · Rans S-12 Airaile · UNREG
Hillrose, CO
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 4, 2020
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 serious injuries)
Location
Hillrose, CO
Aircraft
Rans S-12 Airaile (1990)
Tail Number
UNREG
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN20CA139
The noncertificated pilot reported that, during a local flight, he noticed an area of smoke and fire near his property. The pilot descended the airplane to about 20 ft above ground level to see what was burning, which diverted his attention from flying. The pilot "immediately" pulled up to avoid power lines, but the airplane struck the lines. The airplane then impacted the ground and came to rest inverted, which resulted in substantial damage to the wings and empennage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures of the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
NTSB Probable Cause
The noncertificated pilot's diverted attention while looking at a fire during low-altitude flying, which resulted in a collision with power lines.
Full Narrative
The noncertificated pilot and his son departed in the unregistered experimental airplane (previously N4114G), on a local personal flight from his private airstrip. During the return flight, they noticed an area of smoke and fire near the pilot's property and proceeded to the area for examination. The pilot descended the airplane to an altitude of about 20 ft above ground level to see what was burning, which diverted the pilot's attention. The pilot "immediately" pulled up to avoid powerlines, "but was 2 seconds late," and the airplane struck the powerlines. The pilot report that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures of the airplane that would have precluded normal operations.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:44 MDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftRans S-12 Airaile
Tail NumberUNREG
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsRotax · 582 · Reciprocating · 65
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury Summary2 injuries (2 serious injuries)
Fatal0
Serious2
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 58 · None · Serious
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point55 / 28 C
Altimeter29.80 inHg
Observation Time16:55
Weather SourceWFAC