Important Disclaimer

This tool presents statistical analysis of NTSB accident data for experimental amateur-built aircraft. The data is provided for informational and educational purposes only.

This data should not be the sole basis for any aircraft purchase, build, or flight decision. Aviation safety depends on many factors not captured here, including pilot training, recency, weather decision-making, maintenance practices, and individual judgment.

Key limitations of this data:

  • Accident rates are fleet-level statistics — your personal risk depends heavily on how you fly, not just what you fly.
  • Small sample sizes for some aircraft types make their statistics unreliable. A single accident can change a type's fatal percentage significantly.
  • No per-type flight hour data exists for homebuilt aircraft, so true exposure-adjusted rates cannot be calculated.
  • Accident narratives are classified by an AI model, not by professional accident investigators. Classifications are approximate.

The analysis follows Ron Wanttaja's "initiator" methodology, which reframes NTSB probable cause data to identify the first event in the accident chain. This is an analytical framework, not an official NTSB classification.

If you are considering building or purchasing an experimental aircraft, consult experienced builders, flight instructors with type-specific experience, and your local EAA chapter. No website can substitute for hands-on guidance.

We believe safety data should be free and accessible to everyone in the experimental aircraft community. This tool is free to use and always will be. If you find it valuable, consider supporting the project.

Experimental Aircraft Safety

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RANS S-18/19/20/21

Safety profile based on 13 accidents

Small sample size warning: This type has fewer than 20 recorded accidents. Statistics may be unreliable — a single additional accident could significantly change the percentages shown.
Total Accidents
13
Fatal Accidents
5
38.5% of total
Fatal Rate
38.5%
Above fleet average

Accidents Over Time

Initiator Distribution

Phase of Flight

Pilot Total Hours at Time of Accident

Accident Locations (13 with coordinates)