FTW93LA078

Factual narrative

On Sunday, January 31, 1993, at approximately 1130 central standard time, a Rans S-7 home built, N4312C, was substantially damaged when gusty crosswind conditions were encountered during initial climb following takeoff at the Lancaster, Texas, municipal airport. The airplane, owned and operated by the private pilot, was departing on what was to have been a 14 CFR Part 91 local personal flight. There was no flight plan filed and visual meteorological conditions prevailed throughout the area. Neither the pilot nor the one passenger were injured. The pilot reported that he encountered gusty conditions "shortly after takeoff." He further reported that the aircraft rolled to the "right and the right gear struck the mud." Subsequently the left gear and left wing struck the mud. The airplane was released to the owner following the investigation. DURING THE INITIAL CLIMB FROM TAKEOFF ROLL, GUSTY WINDS ROLLED THE AIRPLANE TO THE RIGHT. THE RIGHT GEAR STRUCK THE MUDDY TERRAIN. SUBSEQUENTLY THE LEFT GEAR AND LEFT WING MADE CONTACT WITH THE MUD Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database (Pre-2008 Archive) Retrieved: 2026-02-12