Probable cause
A total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined based on available evidence.
NTSB analysis
According to the pilot, during the initial climbout about 200 ft above ground level, the engine stopped. The pilot made a 180° turn and attempted to land. The airplane impacted the ground and flipped over inverted. Examination of the airplane revealed that the cockpit and fuselage were crushed. Both horizontal stabilizers were bent upward and buckled. A postaccident examination of the engine and its components, which included several successful engine runs, revealed no anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA20LA079 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jan 16, 2020
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Titusville, Florida
- Nearest airport
- Arthur Dunn Air Park (X21)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built S12
- N-number
- N73KA
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1999
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.