What happened
On October 15, 2024, at 15:14 CDT, a RANS S12S, registration N912RS, was conducting a Part 91 maintenance test flight near Church Point, Louisiana. The aircraft had been out of service for approximately three years prior to being purchased by the current owner. In the two months leading up to the flight, the pilot and two others had performed maintenance on the aircraft in preparation for this test flight.
During the flight, the pilot performed several maneuvers, including steep turns, glide ratios, and aerodynamic stalls. The pilot initially reported via radio that the aircraft was performing outstandingly with no issues. After stating an intention to return to the departure airstrip, the aircraft entered a downwind landing pattern followed by a base leg. While turning from the base leg to the final approach, the aircraft snapped over and entered an aerodynamic spin. The engine sound was observed to increase and then decrease, indicating power was applied and then reduced. The aircraft impacted a field, resulting in 1 fatality. The aircraft was destroyed.
The investigation
Post-accident examination of the N9TR revealed no mechanical failures or malfunctions that would have prevented normal operation. Due to its experimental category, the aircraft was not equipped, nor was it required to be equipped, with a stall warning system.