15 Oct 2011: Saber Trike

15 Oct 2011: Saber Trike — Unknown operator

No fatalities • Okmulgee, OK, United States

Probable cause

The in-flight collision with electrical wires for undetermined reasons.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

On October 14, 2011, about 1915 central daylight time, an unregistered Sabre weight-shift, “Trike” aircraft, impacted terrain following an in-flight collision with electrical wires near Okmulgee, Oklahoma. The non-certificated pilot received serious injuries and the passenger received minor injuries. The aircraft was substantially damaged during the accident. The aircraft was owned and operated by a private individual under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight, which operated without a visual flight rules flight plan.

According to the responding department of public safety trooper, the pilot reported that he had a previous fuel problem. The pilot added that he landed and repaired the problem and departed. Again the pilot added, that he “experienced mechanical problems” and elected to land underneath a set of electrical wires, in order to land in a vacant lot. During the landing, the aircraft impacted the electrical wires and subsequently impacted terrain. A small post-impact fire was quickly extinguished. Electrical burn marks were found on the aircraft mast and hand controls. In addition the mast and wing spar were broken during the accident.

The pilot was released from the hospital shortly after the accident; however, the pilot died about 2 weeks after the accident. The medical examiner did not find evidence linking the aircraft accident to the pilot’s subsequent death. Circumstances surrounding the pilot’s death precluded a detailed examination of the aircraft and engine.

Contributing factors

  • cause Effect on operation

Conditions

Weather
VMC, vis 10sm

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