On 18 May 2013, a THOMAS DAVID W RANS S-12 XL operated by Keri Jean Marazan was involved in an aviation accident near Cleveland, GA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed while maneuvering after takeoff, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's lack of overall recent flight experience and lack of experience in make and model. This summary draws on records from NTSB.
During a first flight in an experimental amateur-built airplane, the pilot stalled the aircraft while turning left at 300 feet, leading to a descent into a pond and substantial damage. Both occupants exited unharmed.
Incident Overview
The pilot was conducting his first flight in a two-seat experimental amateur-built airplane. The non-certificated pilot and owner occupied the right seat. The airplane accelerated and departed from the turf runway without incident. As it climbed to an altitude of about 300 feet above ground, the pilot entered a left 180-degree turn. During the turn, the airplane inadvertently stalled and descended into a pond, resulting in substantial damage to the airframe.
Occupant Statements
Both occupants were able to exit the airplane. They stated that they did not experience any mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.
Pilot and Owner Details
The pilot reported about 1,600 hours of total flight experience with no previous flight hours in the make and model of the accident airplane. He had not flown at all during the previous 7 months. The owner had accumulated about 30 hours in the accident airplane. The owner stated that he had seen the pilot flying other airplanes in the past and assumed he was capable of flying the accident airplane.