Pilot Debrief

RANS S-12 Airaile near Hillrose, CO — 2020-04-04

Final reportCEN20CA139
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Date
2020-04-04
Location
Hillrose, CO, USA
Aircraft
RANS S-12 Airaile
Registration
UNREG
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0

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.

NTSB narrative

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 coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 3 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents3

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