Amateur-built S12 N536RH accident near Socorro, New Mexico

Probable cause

A loss of control for reasons that could not be determined based on available evidence.

NTSB analysis

The pilot departed on his third flight in the recently purchased experimental, amateur-built airplane and remained in the vicinity of the airport, where he completed several turn maneuvers. The airplane impacted a tamateur-builtient parking area at the airport and came to rest in an adjacent parking lot with substantial damage. There were no eyewitnesses to the accident. Examination of the wreckage revealed no evidence of preaccident mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

The pilot had previously communicated with the manufacturer about stability issues with the airplane. The manufacturer stated that the airplane required a total weight of 260 lbs in the seats to fly properly, and that the stability issues may be related to a lack of ballast. Two bags of ballast weight were found with the main wreckage and in the forward cabin area; however, the total weight of the ballast could not be determined due to loss of weight from damaged bags. Due to the loss of material from the ballast bags and the unknown amount of fuel onboard, the airplane’s weight and balance and center of gravity position at the time of the accident could not be determined.

The nearest weather reporting station recorded wind from the south at 12 knots gusting to 20 knots. Although gusty wind conditions may have been present, the reason for the pilot’s loss of control of the airplane could not be determined based on the available information.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR19LA078 for the full record.