What happened
On June 8, 2024, at approximately 07:21 mountain standard time, a Rans S-12XL Airaile, registration N518D, was involved in an accident near Picacho Peak, Arizona. The aircraft was being operated under 14 CFR Part 91 for personal flight.
The pilot departed La Cholla Airpark in Tucson, Arizona, at approximately 07:00. The flight proceeded northwest for about 22 nautical miles toward the area of Picacho Peak State Park. Witnesses who were hiking in the vicinity reported seeing the aircraft flying close to the north side of the peak before it impacted the ground approximately 81 feet below the peak. Following the impact, a witness checked the pilot's vital signs and noted a strong odor of fuel at the scene. The pilot sustained 1 fatal injury.
The investigation
Examination of the wreckage at the accident site showed the aircraft came to rest in a nose-low attitude. The wings and empennage remained attached to the fuselage. Investigators established flight control continuity from the cockpit to all primary flight control surfaces. The wreckage was moved to a secure facility for further analysis.