N481SL is a 2011 Arion Aircraft LIGHTNING. It is a fixed-wing single-engine aircraft with 2 seats, powered by a Jabiru 3300 rated at 120 horsepower. The registration is active, with the registrant based in Carson City, NV. Its experimental airworthiness certificate was issued in May 2011. It has been registered to its current owner since Oct 2025. This page also carries 1 NTSB event.
- 15 years old
- 1 of 62 Arion Aircraft LIGHTNING
2025
2011
That's everything on file so far — TailWiki checks the FAA registry daily and adds new entries as N481SL's record changes.
According to the pilot in the experimental light-sport airplane, following a personal flight he made a straight-in approach to runway 13. He recalled that the tower reported the wind as 070° at 12 knots. During the approach the airplane encountered "convective turbulence," but he established a stabilized approach over the runway centerline. He remarked that about five feet above the runway the airplane encountered what he estimated to be a 20 knot or greater wind gust. He reported that the airplane ballooned, touched down on the nose wheel, the propeller struck the ground, and he used differential braking to stop the airplane on the runway. The nose landing gear separated from the airplane, and substantial damage was sustained to the engine mounts and the spar box.
The meteorological aerodrome report (METAR) at the accident airport, indicated that at the time of the accident the wind was 040° true, at 12 knots. There were no METAR's throughout the day, at the accident airport, that indicated wind gusts.
The pilot reported that there were no mechanical failures or anomalies with the airframe or engine that would have prevented normal operation.
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