# NTSB DFW08CA229: Sukhoi SU-31M, N531MS, Collinsville, OK, September 14, 2008

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report
- Date: September 14, 2008, 18:44 local (23:44 UTC)
- Place: Collinsville, OK
- Coordinates: 36.424619, -95.902363 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=36.4246&lon=-95.9024&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Defining event: [Approach-VFR pattern final: Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/120)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report January 22, 2009
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- Parties: FAA FSDO
- NTSB case key (mKey): 68928
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=DFW08CA229
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/68928/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DFW08CA229

## Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from marked transmission lines while on final approach.

## Findings

NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause.

- [Knowledge: knowledge of geographic area](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02032030): Personnel issues › Experience/knowledge · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Sukhoi SU-31M, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02032030/cases.md?model=9850106), [All aircraft, 24 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02032030/cases.md)
- [Object/animal/substance: wire](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022032): Environmental issues › Physical environment · Awareness of condition (probable cause); cases with it: [Sukhoi SU-31M, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022032/cases.md?model=9850106), [All aircraft, 588 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022032/cases.md)

## Sequence of events

The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened.

- [Approach-VFR pattern final: Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/120) (defining event); cases with it: [Sukhoi SU-31M, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/120/sequence.md?model=9850106), [All aircraft, 1,074 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/120/sequence.md)

## Analysis

The pilot entered the traffic pattern in the single seat, tail-wheel-equipped, experimental airplane for landing to runway 35. When he turned to final approach "everything looked normal." On short final, the pilot stated that he saw orange markers on wires just prior to contact with transmission lines. After cutting through two transmission lines, the pilot aborted the landing and performed a go-around. A visual inspection from another aircraft confirmed that the landing gear appeared to be intact. The pilot stated that the airplane was "shaking violently," but was controllable, and the pilot landed safely. The pilot shut down after landing and exited the aircraft normally. A Federal Aviation Administration inspector responded to the scene and confirmed substantial damage to the main wing spar, left aileron, and landing gear. One propeller blade was missing approximately 18 inches. The electrical transmission lines were replaced by the local power company.

## Factual narrative

The pilot entered the traffic pattern in the single seat, tail wheel equipped, experimental airplane for landing to runway 35. When he turned to final approach "everything looked normal." On short final, the pilot stated that he saw orange markers on wires just prior to contact with transmission lines. After cutting through two transmission lines, the pilot aborted the landing and performed a go-around. A visual inspection from another aircraft confirmed that the landing gear appeared to be intact. The pilot stated that the airplane was "shaking violently," but was controllable, and the pilot landed safely. The pilot shut down after landing and exited the aircraft normally. A Federal Aviation Administration Inspector responded to the scene and confirmed substantial damage to the main wing spar, left aileron, and landing gear. One propeller blade was missing approximately 18 inches. The electrical transmission lines were replaced by the local power company.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N531MS](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N531MS-2013-06-10), registration cancelled 2013-06-10, S/N 02-01, built 1995 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: SUKHOI SU-31M
- Registry model: [Sukhoi SU-31M](https://openairdocs.org/model/sukhoi-su-31m) (registry code 9850106) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Amateur-built UNKNOWN ENG](https://openairdocs.org/engine/amateur-built-unknown-eng) (registry code 99999) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 02-01
- Airframe hours: 261
- Engines: Vedeneyev M14P 360 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, August 20, 2008
- Departed: KGCM, Claremore, OK
- Destination: OK01, Vera, OK
- Airport: OK01, Sky Haven Airpark, runway 35, 4,400 × 75 ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 48; injuries: none; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, without waivers/limitations; last flight review June 8, 2008; seat: single; flight hours: 1,391 total, 127 in this make and model, 1,343 as pilot in command, 40 in the last 90 days, 30 in the last 30 days, 7 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 340° at 13 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 68 °F, dew point 63 °F
- Altimeter: 30.09 inHg
- Observed at: KTUL, 14 nm away

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 20080914845119A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20080914845119A), Sep 14, 2008: Sukhoi SU31M, Vera, OK, Substantial damage. (-23) Pilot stated he was on short final to land at Sellmeyer field airport (OK01) as he reduced power, the nose of the aircraft rose above the horizon. Pilot…

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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