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Homebuilt Ultralight Crash After Engine Silence; Ignition Wire Found Broken (N95HS)

Tucson, AZ, US

On November 2, 1996, a Rainey RANS S-12 (registration N95HS) was involved in an aviation accident near Tucson, AZ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: a broken wire in the ignition coil, which resulted in a loss of engine power; and failure of the pilot to maintain adequate airspeed, which resulted in a stall/spin and uncontrolled collision with the terrain. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A two-seat homebuilt ultralight crashed in a near-vertical descent after witnesses heard the engine go silent followed by a bang. Investigators found no preimpact airframe issues but discovered a broken ignition coil wire causing no spark.

Accident Summary

A two-seat, ultralight-type homebuilt aircraft was observed climbing out after takeoff toward the accident site. Ground witnesses reported hearing a high-pitched hum from the engine, which went completely silent and was followed by a bang or thud. However, they did not see the aircraft impact the ground.

Investigation Findings

An FAA inspector examined the wreckage and determined that the aircraft impacted the ground in a near-vertical nose-down descent. The empennage was torsionally twisted. No broken or disturbed vegetation, or other ground scars were observed beyond the immediate area of the wreckage. The inspector noted no preimpact mechanical problem with the airframe or flight control system.

Engine Examination

The engine was examined by a power plant mechanic familiar with the Rotax type. The mechanic reported that both spark plugs produced no spark due to a broken wire in the ignition coil. No further mechanical issues were identified.

Aerodynamic stall

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2 Nov 1996 Rainey RANS S-12 accident near Tucson, AZ?

A two-seat homebuilt ultralight crashed in a near-vertical descent after witnesses heard the engine go silent followed by a bang. Investigators found no preimpact airframe issues but discovered a broken ignition coil wire causing no spark.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2 Nov 1996 involved a Rainey RANS S-12, registration N95HS, at Tucson, AZ.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

a broken wire in the ignition coil, which resulted in a loss of engine power; and failure of the pilot to maintain adequate airspeed, which resulted in a stall/spin and uncontrolled collision with the terrain.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X07063. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.