Summary
On April 09, 2011, a Rans S12 (N3581S) was involved in an accident near Fort Collins, CO. The accident resulted in 1 minor injury. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this accident to be: The pilot's inadvertent application of full right rudder during landing, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and impact with terrain.
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.
This accident is documented in NTSB report CEN11CA289. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N3581S.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's inadvertent application of full right rudder during landing, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and impact with terrain.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
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.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CEN11CA289