New details on fatal 2024 plane crash in Acadia Parish

ACADIA PARISH, LA. (KLFY) -- National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) released new details of the fatal 2024 plane crash in Acadia Parish. The incident occurred on October 15, 2024 in a field near Pitreville Highway. The crash claimed the life of Nick Vanhouten, 47, of Sunset. According to officials the Rans S12S, N912RS airplane was operated under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations as a Part 91 maintenance test flight. The airplane had not flown for about three years before it was purchased by the current owner whose intent was to learn how to fly using the accident airplane, NTSB officials stated. The airplane owner, the pilot, and two other individuals performed maintenance on the airplane during the previous two months in preparation for the test flight that was flown by the pilot. During the test flight, the pilot performed maneuvers that included aerodynamic stalls, steep turns, and glide ratios, NTSB officials said. The pilot reported through radio that there were no issues with the airplane, and it was outstanding in its flying. The pilot then reported that he was returning to the departure airstrip. The airplane entered a downwind landing followed by a base leg for landing. During the turn from the base leg to the final leg of the approach, the airplane snapped over and entered an aerodynamic spin. The airplane descended while spinning and the engine sound increased and then decreased, which was consistent with an application followed by a reduction of engine power. The airplane impacted a field and was destroyed by impact forces. Officials stated during the post-accident examination of the airplane revealed no mechanical malfunction or failure that would have ruled out normal airplane operation. The airplane was not equipped nor was it required to be equipped with a stall warning system due its experimental categorization. NTSB said the investigation remains ongoing. We will update as more information is released.