Accident Overview
On January 16, 2020, at approximately 1330 eastern standard time, an experimental amateur-built RANS S12XL, registration N73KA, sustained substantial damage following a forced landing at Arthur Dunn Air Park (X21) in Titusville, Florida. The private pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. The flight was conducted under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal operation.
Pilot Account
According to the pilot, during the initial climb after takeoff, at about 200 feet above ground level, the engine ceased producing power. The pilot executed a 180-degree descending left turn while maintaining an airspeed of 60 mph. As he attempted to flare the airplane for landing, the nose landing gear and the left main landing gear contacted the ground first. The airplane subsequently flipped over and came to rest inverted.
Damage Inspection
Post-accident examination of the airframe revealed that the cockpit and fuselage were crushed upward. Both horizontal stabilizers were bent upward and exhibited buckling. The engine and its components were inspected, and several successful engine runs were conducted. No anomalies were found that would have prevented normal engine operation.