CHI92DEC02

NTSB accident investigation · Rans S-9 · Mason, MI · August 1, 1992

Accident · FatalFinal report
Date
August 1, 1992, 15:00 local (19:00 UTC)
Place
Mason, MI
Injuries
1 fatal
Damage
Destroyed
Phase of flight
Approach
Aircraft
N5301ARans S-9
Weather
Visual (VMC) · Day
Status
Completed · report May 26, 1993
Report
Approved by Office Director
FAA report
19920801028439A
Case key
15231

From the NTSB’s public API. By law, NTSB reports can’t be used as evidence in lawsuits over the accident.

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Probable cause

The pilot's over-confidence in his personal ability, his lack of experience in the type airplane he was flying, and the fact the pilot did not maintain a proper airspeed.

Sequence of events

NTSB’s coding before 2008: each occurrence and phase of flight, and the causes and factors under it. The codes are defined in NTSB’s coding manual.

Loss of control - in flightGo-around (vfr)
Airspeed - not maintainedPilot in commandCause
Overconfidence in personal abilityPilot in commandCause
Stall/spin - inadvertentPilot in commandFactor
Lack of total experience in type of aircraftPilot in commandCause
Remedial action - not performedPilot in commandFactor
In flight collision with terrain/waterDescent - uncontrolled
Terrain condition - ground

Analysis

The homebuilt airplane was observed performing a low pass to the runway. At the conclusion of the low pass, the airplane began a climbing left turn. As the airplane gained altitude it began to slow down according to witnesses. At an estimated altitude of 300 to 400 feet above the ground the airplane rolled to the right, performing a half turn spin before colliding with the ground. The on scene investigation revealed no mechanical discrepancies with the airframe or power plant. The airplane's engine rotated opposite the normal U.S. Certified airplane engines. During the investigation it was revealed the pilot did not have experience in the airplane. An eye witness stated he had spoken with the pilot before the accident flight and advised him to obtain some dual instruction before flying the airplane solo; or at least do some touch and go's before going anywhere in the airplane. The pilot's logbook revealed he had no time logged in the make and model airplane.

Aircraft

Registration
N5301A
Reported as
Rans S-9
Category
Airplane, amateur-built
Serial number
587004
Engine
Rotax 503, 47 horsepower, reciprocating
Damage
Destroyed
Flight
Personal · Part 91
Operator
Dwain R. Chatterton
Registered owner
Zarichny, George
Airworthiness certificate
Special, Experimental (Special)
Last inspection
Unknown · January 2, 1900

Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

Role
Pilot
Age
59
Certificate
Private
Airplane ratings
Single-engine land
Medical
Class 3, Valid Medical--no waivers/lim.
Seat
Front
Flight hours
708 total · 708 as pilot in command

Weather

Conditions
Visual (VMC) · Day
Visibility
12 statute miles
Altimeter
30.00 inHg

FAA reports on this event · 1

The FAA’s own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date.