# NTSB MIA96LA024: Rans S-12, Plant City, FL, November 13, 1995

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: November 13, 1995, 13:55 local (18:55 UTC)
- Place: Plant City, FL
- Coordinates: 27.920663, -82.120185 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=27.9207&lon=-82.1202&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 2 fatal
- Status: Completed, report June 22, 1996
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 37945
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA96LA024
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/37945/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA96LA024

## Probable cause

failure of the non-certificated pilot (unqualified person) to maintain adequate airspeed during takeoff, which resulted in an inadvertent stall and collision with the terrain.

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Loss of control - in flight, takeoff - initial climb
  - airspeed - not maintained, unqualified person (cause)
  - stall - uncontrolled, unqualified person (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

The non-rated pilot and a passenger in an unregistered airplane crashed during takeoff. Witnesses heard the engine running until impact. The airplane was found where it had impacted in a nose down attitude. Examination of the wreckage revealed no preimpact failure or malfunction.

## Factual narrative

On November 13, 1995, about 1355 eastern standard time, an unregistered Rans S-12, crashed on takeoff from Plant City Airport, Plant City, Florida, while on a 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed for the local flight. The noncertificated pilot and one passenger received fatal injuries and the airplane was substantially damaged. The flight was originating at the time of the accident.

The airplane departed to the west and one witness stated he heard the engine running normally until impact. Examination of the wreckage was conducted by an FAA inspector who stated that no preimpact failures were noted. No airplane or engine logbooks were located.

## Aircraft

- Registration: UNREG (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: RANS S-12
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: 0291061
- Engines: Rotax 503 46 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Paul A. Theriault
- Departed: PCM
- Airport: PCM, Plant City, runway 27, 3,348 × 75 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 62; seat: front

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 220° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 55 °F, dew point 34 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: PIE, 34 nm away

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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