Pilot Had Been Restoring The Airplane Since Its Purchase In June 2018

Location: Delta, CO Accident Number: CEN20LA169
Date & Time: 05/03/2020, 1110 MDT Registration: N427LB
Aircraft: RANS S-12 Injuries: 1 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation -

On May 3, 2020, at 1110 mountain daylight time, a Rans S-12, N427LB, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Delta, Colorado. The private pilot sustained fatal injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The airplane owner stated the pilot had been restoring the airplane since its purchase in June 2018. The owner said that he talked to the pilot on the day before the accident, and the pilot told him that he was close to having the airplane flyable. The owner asked the pilot to call him if he was going to fly the airplane so that he could watch the flight, but he was not contacted by the pilot.

A witness at Blake Field Airport (AJZ), Delta, Colorado stated he saw the airplane takeoff from runway 14, and it appeared to be under control. The witness told others that were with him that the airplane "does fly," since he had never seen the airplane fly before.

Another witness at AJZ stated that he heard an engine repetitively going from full engine power, then backing off, and the returning to full engine power. He said that when he saw the airplane, it appeared to be traveling from left to right, and he thought the wings were rocking.

The airplane banked to the right, was very low, and pitched "a lot." About 3 – 4 seconds later, the airplane impacted the ground.

The airplane wreckage was retained for further examination.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov