| S-19 Venterra | |
|---|---|
 Rans S-19LS | |
| General information | |
| Type | Light-sport aircraft |
| National origin | United States |
| Manufacturer | Rans Inc |
| Designer | Randy Schlitter |
| Status | In production |
| Number built | 23 (2011)[1] |
| History | |
| Manufactured | 2008-present |
| Introduction date | late 2008 |
| First flight | 28 Jun 2007 |
TheRans S-19 Venterra (English:wind over the earth) is an American single-engined,tractor configuration, two-seats in side-by-side configuration, low-wingmonoplane designed by Randy Schlitter as alight-sport aircraft and manufactured byRans Inc. The Venterra is available as a complete factory-built aircraft and inkit form for amateur construction.[1][2][3][4][5][6][7]
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 welded4130 steel tube cockpit with a boltedaluminum tube rear fuselage, the S-19 is an aluminumsemi-monocoque design, withstressed skin construction supported with bulkheads, formers and stringers. Thefuselage, wing and tail surfaces are covered in sheet aluminum. The wings are equipped withflaps.[2][3][4][6]
The S-19 hastricycle landing gear with a fully castering nosewheel and steering via differential main wheel braking. The standard engine is theRotax 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 byair 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]
In March 2017 there were 41 S-19s registered in the United States, none in Canada and one in the UK.[8][9][10]
On 25 June 2017 a Rans S-19 crashed near Hyde, Central Otago, New Zealand, resulting in one death and one serious injury. TheCivil Aviation Authority of New Zealand investigation found that the design of thestabilatoranti-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]
Data from Rans website[12]
General characteristics
Performance
Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era
