Rans S12 N3581S accident near Fort Collins, Colorado

Probable cause

The pilot's inadvertent application of full right rudder during landing, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and impact with terrain.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that he was conducting an off-airport precautionary landing due to an unanticipated gusting wind and turbulence. Just before touchdown the pilot made a sudden right turn to avoid a single-wire electric livestock fence when the right wing stalled and he lost control. The airplane then impacted terrain causing substantial damage to the fuselage frame, both wings, and the engine mount. 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.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN11CA289 for the full record.