Shortly After The Helicopter Passed The Airplane, The Airplane Taxied Onto The Runway And Started Its Takeoff Roll

Location: Wadsworth, OH Accident Number: CEN21FA426
Date & Time: September 18, 2021, 18:45 Local Registration: N6915G
Aircraft: RANS S20 Injuries: 1 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Flight test

On September 18, 2021, about 1845 eastern daylight time, a Rans S-20 airplane, N6915G, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Wadsworth, Ohio. The pilot was fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

The Wadsworth Municipal (3G3) airport surveillance camera captured the accident sequence on video. A preliminary review of the video revealed a Sikorsky S-76 helicopter and the accident airplane both utilizing runway 2. The helicopter was on the approach to runway 2, while the accident airplane had taxied to the end of the runway. Shortly after the helicopter passed the airplane, the airplane taxied onto the runway and started its takeoff roll. Moments later, just after the airplane became airborne, the airplane rolled inverted and impacted the runway. The airplane did not appear to contact the helicopter.

A post-crash fire engulfed the airplane. According to the helicopter pilot, and while the helicopter was on the approach to the runway, the
airplane pilot contacted him via the common traffic advisory frequency (CTAF) and requested that the helicopter side-step to the taxiway so that the airplane could depart.

A postaccident examination revealed that the airplane came to rest inverted on the runway and was mostly consumed by the fire.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov