Accident Overview
On October 15, 2024, at 1514 central daylight time, a Rans S12S, registration N912RS, crashed near Church Point, Louisiana. The airplane was on a maintenance test flight conducted under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. The airline transport pilot sustained fatal injuries, and the airplane was destroyed by impact forces.
Background and Preflight Preparations
The accident airplane had not flown for approximately three years before being purchased by its current owner, who intended to use it for flight training. Over the previous two months, the owner, the pilot, and two other individuals performed maintenance to ready the airplane for the test flight.
Flight Sequence
During the test flight, the pilot executed maneuvers including aerodynamic stalls, steep turns, and glide ratio assessments. The pilot reported via radio that the airplane was performing without issues and was outstanding. He then indicated he was returning to the departure airstrip. The airplane entered a downwind leg for landing, followed by a base leg. While turning from base leg to final approach, the airplane snapped over and entered an aerodynamic spin. As it descended spinning, the engine sound increased and then decreased, consistent with an application and subsequent reduction of engine power.
Postaccident Examination
Postaccident examination revealed no mechanical malfunction or failure that would have precluded normal operation. The airplane was categorized as experimental and was not equipped with a stall warning system, nor was one required.
Probable Cause
The investigation did not assign a probable cause.