Few Details Available About The Events Leading To The Crash

The NTSB's preliminary report on an accident involving an Rans S-12 (simialr airplane pictured) in Mesa, AZ, two weeks ago offers few details about the circumstances which led to the airplane impacting terrain. Witnesses said that the aircraft seemed to develop engine trouble shortly after takeoff. Two people, both pilots, were fatally injured in the accident.

NTSB Identification: WPR12LA152
 14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Tuesday, April 03, 2012 in Mesa, AZ
Aircraft: NELSON WILLIAM F RANS S-12, registration: N586BN
Injuries: 2 Fatal.

This is preliminary information, subject to change, and may contain errors. Any errors in this report will be corrected when the final report has been completed.

On April 3, 2012, about 0742 Mountain standard time, a Nelson Rans S-12, N586BN, impacted terrain shortly after takeoff from Falcon Field Airport (KFFZ) in Mesa, Arizona. The commercial pilot and non-certificated pilot/owner were fatally injured. The airplane was substantially damaged. The airplane was registered to and operated by the non-certificated pilot. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the local personal flight.

Witnesses reported that shortly after the airplane took off, when it was about 200-300 feet above ground level, they heard the engine lose partial power. The airplane made a sharp right-hand turn, which appeared to the witnesses as if the pilot was attempting to return to the airport, and the airplane’s nose suddenly dropped. Subsequently, the airplane descended straight down and impacted the terrain below.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov