RANS S12
Fort Collins, CO — April 9, 2011
Event Information
| Date | April 9, 2011 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | CEN11CA289 |
| Event ID | 20110415X80220 |
| Location | Fort Collins, CO |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 40.63389, -104.98778 |
| Airport | Yankee Field Airport |
| Highest Injury | MINR |
Aircraft
| Make | RANS |
| Model | S12 |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 1 |
| None | 0 |
| Total Injured | 1 |
Event Location
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.
About This NTSB Record
This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.