Rans S20 accident near Wadsworth, OH
On September 18, 2021, a Rans S20 (airplane) was involved in an accident near Wadsworth, OH. 1 person died. Damage to the aircraft: destroyed.
- Date
- September 18, 2021
- Place
- Wadsworth, OH
- Aircraft
- Rans S20 · Airplane
- Injuries
- 1 fatal, 0 serious, 0 minor
- Damage
- Destroyed
- Position
- 41.005°N, 81.755°W
- NTSB ID
- 20210919103903
Official records · CEN21FA426
- Public docket: reports, statements and exhibits from the investigation
NTSB summary
HISTORY OF FLIGHTOn September 18, 2021, about 1845 eastern daylight time, a Rans S-20 airplane, N6915G, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident at Wadsworth Municipal Airport (3G3), Wadsworth, Ohio. The pilot was fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. A review of airport surveillance video revealed that a Sikorsky S-76 helicopter was on approach to Runway 2 as the accident airplane taxied to the runway. According to the helicopter pilot, the accident pilot requested that the helicopter side-step to the west of the runway to facilitate the airplane’s departure. A few seconds after the helicopter flew over the approach end of runway 2, the accident pilot taxied onto the runway and started the takeoff roll. Soon after liftoff, the airplane entered a steep roll, descended, and impacted the runway (see figure 1). A postimpact fire ensued. Figure 1. Screenshot of airport surveillance video. Red arrow points to accident airplane. AIRCRAFT INFORMATIONThe kit airplane was built by the pilot and the FAA granted a special airworthiness certificate in April 2021. According to maintenance records and a newsletter article written by the pilot, the airplane had a history of high engine oil and cylinder head temperatures. AIRPORT INFORMATIONThe kit airplane was built by the pilot and the FAA granted a special airworthiness certificate in April 2021. According to maintenance records and a newsletter article written by the pilot, the airplane had a history of high engine oil and cylinder head temperatures. WRECK
Probable cause
The pilot’s decision to depart shortly after a landing helicopter, which resulted in an encounter with the helicopter’s wake turbulence and a loss of airplane control. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s impairment by his recent use of ethanol.
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Browse: Ohio · Rans aircraft
Source: NTSB aviation accident database (US government, public domain). Findings may be preliminary or later revised by the NTSB. Not a complete global record.
