The Rans S-19 Venterra (English: wind over the earth) is an American single-engined, tractor configuration, two-seats in side-by-side configuration, low-wing monoplane designed by Randy Schlitter as a light-sport aircraft and manufactured by Rans Inc. The Venterra is available as a complete factory-built aircraft and in kit form for amateur construction.[1][2][3][4][5][6][7]
Design and development
The S-19 was designed by Randy Schlitter in 2007 as a purpose-built aircraft to capitalize on the new US LSA category. The intention was to offer the aircraft as a factory-complete Special LSA and as a kit-built Experimental LSA or amateur-built..[2][3][4][5][6]
Unlike most other Rans models, which feature a welded 4130 steel tube cockpit with a bolted aluminum tube rear fuselage, the S-19 is an aluminum semi-monocoque design, with stressed skin construction supported with bulkheads, formers and stringers. The fuselage, wing and tail surfaces are covered in sheet aluminum. The wings are equipped with flaps.[2][3][4][6]
The S-19 has tricycle landing gear with a fully castering nosewheel and steering via differential main wheel braking. The standard engine is the Rotax 912ULS of 100 hp (75 kW).[2][3][4][6]
The designer originally intended to break with the company tradition of providing a name for the aircraft and just designate the aircraft as "S-19". Early aviation media reports referred to it as the "S-19 Sport Plane". But after confusion and inquiries by air traffic control during early flights, Schlitter decided a name was needed, saying, "It is a bit of poetic license, but with 19 designs it has become a challenge to create names that are original, we like the sound of Venterra over the radio, it is easy to say, and should satisfy ATC."[2][3][4]
Operational history
In March 2017 there were 41 S-19s registered in the United States, none in Canada and one in the UK.[8][9][10]
Variants
S-19
Initial version, kit-built aircraft for the US ELSA or experimental amateur-built categories, powered by a 100 hp (75 kW) Rotax 912ULS[2][4][6]
S-19LS
Factory-built version, for the US SLSA category, powered by a 100 hp (75 kW) Rotax 912ULS[3][6][7]
Accidents and notable incidents
On 25 June 2017 a Rans S-19 crashed near Hyde, Central Otago, New Zealand, resulting in one death and one serious injury. The Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand investigation found that the design of the stabilatoranti-servo tab trim control resulted in inadvertent activation and a sudden departure from controlled flight. The investigation led to the issuance of a Continuing Airworthiness Notice about deficiencies in the stick grip design and associated hazards.[11]
