Loss of Control in Flight · NTSB WPR12LA152
NELSON RANS S-12 — Mesa, AZ
| Date | April 3, 2012 |
| Location | Mesa, AZ |
| Aircraft | NELSON RANS S-12 (amateur-built) |
| Purpose of flight | Personal |
| Conditions | Day · Visual Meteorological Cond |
| Phase / occurrence | Uncontrolled descent Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT) |
| Pilot age | 23 |
| Pilot total time | 734 hrs · Building experience |
| Time in type | 121 hrs |
| Fatalities | 2 |
Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control while maneuvering at low altitude shortly after takeoff.
NTSB findings
- Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-(general)-Not attained/maintained
- Personnel issues-Task performance-Use of equip/info-Aircraft control-Pilot - C
What happened
Witnesses reported that shortly after takeoff, the airplane was about 200 to 300 feet above the ground when it made a sudden right turn and banked about 90 degrees. Some witnesses reported that they heard a reduction in engine power just before the right turn followed by an increase in engine power. During the turn, the airplane appeared to stall and enter a spin. The airplane impacted terrain and a fire ensued. Postaccident examination of the airframe and engine revealed no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation.