SUTPHIN JOHN E RANS S-12 near Hilliard, FL — 2022-08-31

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain an adequate airspeed, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.

NTSB narrative

The student pilot stated that he was practicing touch-and-go landings in the accident airplane. While approaching the runway at an altitude of about 400 feet, and while in the turn from the base to the final leg of the traffic pattern, the pilot described that he allowed the airspeed to get too slow and the airplane entered an aerodynamic stall. The airplane subsequently impacted trees and terrain, resulting in substantial damage to the fuselage and wings. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures of the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

• Aerodynamic stall/spin · Approach-VFR pattern base
• Traffic Pattern Stall

Evidence available

• Photos
• 3 docket documents

Docket documents3

• PILOT/OPERATOR AIRCRAFT ACCIDENT REPORT, NTSB FORM 6120.1 MEMORANDUM FOR RECORDform
• PILOT'S STATEMENTinterview
• PHOTOSphotos

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