Primary finding
Probable cause
A total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined based on available evidence.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
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.
Source record
Factual narrative
On January 16, 2020, about 1330 eastern standard time, an experimental amateur-built RANS S12XL airplane, N73KA, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident at Arthur Dunn Air Park (X21), Titusville, Florida. The private pilot was not injured. The airplane was operated as a personal flight under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. According to the pilot, during the initial climbout about 200 ft above ground level, the engine stopped. The pilot made a 180° descending left turn, while maintaining 60 mph. While attempting to flare and land, the nose and left main gear impacted the ground. The airplane flipped over and came to rest inverted. Examination of the airplane revealed that the cockpit and fuselage were crushed upward. Both horizontal stabilizers were bent upward and buckled. Examination of the engine and its components, which included several successful engine runs, revealed no anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.