Rans S-12 Airaile S-12 N2117X

Summary

On 27 June 1997 at about 00:45 local time, a Rans S-12 Airaile S-12 registered N2117X was involved in an accident near Fort Collins, Colorado, United States. One person was on board and one was seriously injured. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

27 June 1997 at 00:45

Classification

Accident

Location

Fort Collins, Colorado, United States

Nearest airport

Fort Collins Downtown (3V5)

Coordinates

40.5500, -105.0591

Aircraft

Rans S-12 Airaile S-12

Registration

N2117X

Category

Ultralight

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

FTW97LA237

1 person was seriously injured.

Attempt by the pilot to fly the aircraft with the center of gravity out of limits. A factor was a disconnected lift strut support cable.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

Following takeoff on his first solo flight in the aircraft, the nose of the aircraft continued to rise and the pilot could not lower the nose with full nose down elevator application. In addition, according to the pilot, the aircraft was right wing heavy. The owner of the aircraft could not provide specific performance or weight and balance information, but stated the center of gravity tended to be 'somewhat' forward with lighter weight in the cockpit. The owner was approximately 30 to 40 pounds heavier than the pilot. In addition, following the accident, examination provided evidence that the right lift strut support cable was not connected at the upper fitting and exhibited no evidence of impact damage.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.