Summary
On September 14, 2008, a Sukhoi SU-31M (N531MS) was involved in an incident near Collinsville, OK. All 1 person aboard were uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this incident to be: The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from marked transmission lines while on final approach.
The pilot entered the traffic pattern in the single seat, tail wheel equipped, experimental airplane for landing to runway 35. When he turned to final approach "everything looked normal." On short final, the pilot stated that he saw orange markers on wires just prior to contact with transmission lines. After cutting through two transmission lines, the pilot aborted the landing and performed a go-around. A visual inspection from another aircraft confirmed that the landing gear appeared to be intact. The pilot stated that the airplane was "shaking violently," but was controllable, and the pilot landed safely. The pilot shut down after landing and exited the aircraft normally.
This incident is documented in NTSB report DFW08CA229. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N531MS.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from marked transmission lines while on final approach.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
The pilot entered the traffic pattern in the single seat, tail wheel equipped, experimental airplane for landing to runway 35. When he turned to final approach "everything looked normal." On short final, the pilot stated that he saw orange markers on wires just prior to contact with transmission lines. After cutting through two transmission lines, the pilot aborted the landing and performed a go-around. A visual inspection from another aircraft confirmed that the landing gear appeared to be intact. The pilot stated that the airplane was "shaking violently," but was controllable, and the pilot landed safely. The pilot shut down after landing and exited the aircraft normally. A Federal Aviation Administration Inspector responded to the scene and confirmed substantial damage to the main wing spar, left aileron, and landing gear. One propeller blade was missing approximately 18 inches. The electrical transmission lines were replaced by the local power company.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# DFW08CA229