Rans S-12XL | N518D
June 8th, 2024 | Picacho Peak, Arizona
Accident Location
- City: Picacho Peak
- State: Arizona
- Latitude: 32.635398
- Longitude: -111.40079
- Airport ID: KMZJ
Aircraft Info
- N Number: N518D
- Make: Rans
- Model: S-12XL
- Aircraft Category: Ultralight
- Amateur Built: Yes
Pilot Info
- PIC Name: Galvin, James
- Gender: Male
- Pilot Age: 68
- Pilot Hours:
- Flight School: No
- Instructional Flight: No
- Pilot Certification: Sport Pilot
- IFR Rating: No
- Pilot Error: Yes
- Pilot Medical: None
- Pilot Incapacitation: No
Analysis
- Date: June 8th, 2024
- Time: 7:20 AM Local Time
- Day / Night: Day
- VMC / IMC: VMC
- Phase Of Flight: Enroute
- Total People Onboard: 1
- PIC Fatality: 1
- PAX Fatalities: 0
- Ground Fatalities: 0
- Total Fatalities: 1
- NTSB No: WPR24FA185
- NTSB Travel: No
- AQP Classification: 7) TERRAIN COLLISION, C-FIT
Probable Cause
DTSB: The DTSB determines the Probable Cause of this accident to be Pilot Error in that the pilot operated the aircraft near rising terrain during times of increasing wind and turbulence, and allowed the aircraft to be fully stalled in attempt to maneuver away from terrain. The aircraft wreckage was found in such a position to indicate that the impact had been the result of a stall and spin.
NTSB: NONE
Recommendation
DTSB: The DTSB recommends that all pilots of all aircraft operate at sufficient altitudes and distances from terrain such that safe margins are available during times of increasing or decreasing performance windshear or turbulence.
NTSB: NONE
DISCLAIMER: All data and Probable Cause listings are “Probable” only. They are based on opinion and educated speculation, and are for educational purposes only. They may contain incorrect information and are subject to change as new information becomes available.