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Local Flight Accident Involving Loss of Control and Terrain Impact

MONTEZUMA, IN, United States

On July 31, 2009, a RANS EMPLOYEE FLYING CLUB RANS S-6S operated by Donald J. Garrard was involved in an aviation accident near MONTEZUMA, IN. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control after takeoff resulting in an impact with a power line and the ground. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 2 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot lost control during a local flight from a private airstrip after an unexpected gust. The aircraft's left wing struck a powerline before impacting terrain, causing a ground fire.

Incident Overview and Pilot Statement A pilot departed on a local flight from a private airstrip. According to the pilot, a gust of wind from the west caused the aircraft to lose control. The pilot stated that the directional change was not anticipated because the wind sock was down at the time of takeoff. The pilot reported being unable to regain control of the aircraft after the gust occurred. ## Impact and Fire The aircraft's left wing impacted a powerline during the incident. Following the powerline contact, the airplane impacted terrain. A ground fire occurred after the aircraft struck the ground. The source does not provide details regarding the aircraft type, registration, operator, specific location, or date of the accident.

Contributing factors

Causes

Climb rate — Not attained/maintainedPilot

Other contributing factors

Response/compensationContributed to outcome

Related events

Same aircraft family

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 31 Jul 2009 RANS EMPLOYEE FLYING CLUB RANS S-6S accident near MONTEZUMA, IN?

A pilot lost control during a local flight from a private airstrip after an unexpected gust. The aircraft's left wing struck a powerline before impacting terrain, causing a ground fire.

Were there any fatalities in the 31 Jul 2009 RANS EMPLOYEE FLYING CLUB RANS S-6S accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 31 Jul 2009 involved a RANS EMPLOYEE FLYING CLUB RANS S-6S, operated by Donald J. Garrard, at MONTEZUMA, IN.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control after takeoff resulting in an impact with a power line and the ground.

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