Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary CEN12LA047

Okmulgee, OK, USA

Aircraft #1

UNREG

Saber Trike unk

Analysis

A non-certificated pilot was flying a weight-shift control airplane, and he reported that he had developed “mechanical problems” and was going to fly under a set of electrical wires to land in a vacant lot; the airplane impacted the wires and terrain. The pilot added that, prior to the accident flight, he had landed due to a fuel problem, repaired the problem, and departed. The pilot died about two weeks after the accident, in a manner unrelated to the accident. Circumstances surrounding the pilot’s death precluded a detailed examination of the airplane and engine.

Factual Information

On October 14, 2011, about 1915 central daylight time, an unregistered Sabre weight-shift, “Trike” aircraft, impacted terrain following an in-flight collision with electrical wires near Okmulgee, Oklahoma. The non-certificated pilot received serious injuries and the passenger received minor injuries. The aircraft was substantially damaged during the accident. The aircraft was owned and operated by a private individual under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight, which operated without a visual flight rules flight plan. According to the responding department of public safety trooper, the pilot reported that he had a previous fuel problem. The pilot added that he landed and repaired the problem and departed. Again the pilot added, that he “experienced mechanical problems” and elected to land underneath a set of electrical wires, in order to land in a vacant lot. During the landing, the aircraft impacted the electrical wires and subsequently impacted terrain. A small post-impact fire was quickly extinguished. Electrical burn marks were found on the aircraft mast and hand controls. In addition the mast and wing spar were broken during the accident. The pilot was released from the hospital shortly after the accident; however, the pilot died about 2 weeks after the accident. The medical examiner did not find evidence linking the aircraft accident to the pilot’s subsequent death. Circumstances surrounding the pilot’s death precluded a detailed examination of the aircraft and engine.

Probable Cause and Findings

The in-flight collision with electrical wires for undetermined reasons.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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