Pilot Debrief

RANS S12 near Socorro, NM — 2019-02-01

Final reportWPR19LA078
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Date
2019-02-01
Location
Socorro, NM, USA
Airport
ONM
Aircraft
RANS S12
Registration
N536RH
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
1
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

A loss of control for reasons that could not be determined based on available evidence.

NTSB narrative

The pilot departed on his third flight in the recently purchased experimental, amateur-built airplane and remained in the vicinity of the airport, where he completed several turn maneuvers. The airplane impacted a transient parking area at the airport and came to rest in an adjacent parking lot with substantial damage. There were no eyewitnesses to the accident. Examination of the wreckage revealed no evidence of preaccident mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot had previously communicated with the manufacturer about stability issues with the airplane. The manufacturer stated that the airplane required a total weight of 260 lbs in the seats to fly properly, and that the stability issues may be related to a lack of ballast. Two bags of ballast weight were found with the main wreckage and in the forward cabin area; however, the total weight of the ballast could not be determined due to loss of weight from damaged bags. Due to the loss of material from the ballast bags and the unknown amount of fuel onboard, the airplane’s weight and balance and center of gravity position at the time of the accident could not be determined. The nearest weather reporting station recorded wind from the south at 12 knots gusting to 20 knots. Although gusty wind conditions may have been present, the reason for the pilot’s loss of control of the airplane could not be determined based on the available information.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Human factors
First missed decision gate
Pilot should have ensured proper weight and balance before flight.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • ADS-B / radar
  • Photos
  • 9 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents9

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