Summary
On January 31, 1993, a Rans S-7 (N4312C) was involved in an incident near Lancaster, TX. All 2 people aboard were uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this incident to be: AIRCRAFT CONTROL NOT MAINTAINED BY PILOT. TURBULENCE DUE TO STRONG, GUSTY WINDS WAS A FACTOR.
On Sunday, January 31, 1993, at approximately 1130 central standard time, a Rans S-7 home built, N4312C, was substantially damaged when gusty crosswind conditions were encountered during initial climb following takeoff at the Lancaster, Texas, municipal airport. The airplane, owned and operated by the private pilot, was departing on what was to have been a 14 CFR Part 91 local personal flight. There was no flight plan filed and visual meteorological conditions prevailed throughout the area.
This incident is documented in NTSB report FTW93LA078. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N4312C.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
AIRCRAFT CONTROL NOT MAINTAINED BY PILOT. TURBULENCE DUE TO STRONG, GUSTY WINDS WAS A FACTOR
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
On Sunday, January 31, 1993, at approximately 1130 central standard time, a Rans S-7 home built, N4312C, was substantially damaged when gusty crosswind conditions were encountered during initial climb following takeoff at the Lancaster, Texas, municipal airport. The airplane, owned and operated by the private pilot, was departing on what was to have been a 14 CFR Part 91 local personal flight. There was no flight plan filed and visual meteorological conditions prevailed throughout the area. Neither the pilot nor the one passenger were injured.
The pilot reported that he encountered gusty conditions "shortly after takeoff." He further reported that the aircraft rolled to the "right and the right gear struck the mud." Subsequently the left gear and left wing struck the mud.
The airplane was released to the owner following the investigation.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# FTW93LA078