Item: RANS S-10 Aerobatics Airplane Experimental
Sold For: $4,000.00
Bids: 42
Date: Aug 04, 2012
Auction: Ebay
Description and Image By: vermontcobra
Alison Hine’s RANS S-10 project is for sale. The original aircraft was completed in 1991 and was certified in the Experimental category. It accumulated over 260 hours flight time.
The original S-10 was powered by a Rotax 582 with Warp Drive ground-adjustable composite propeller and electric starter. A custom instrument panel relocated the instruments and switches to within easy reach and improved readability.
Unlike S-10s powered by the stock wooden propeller, this S-10 was capable of 130 MPH in level flight, and was much more manageable during aerobatics as well as normal maneuvering. It was also capable of an astonishing rate of climb. (See articles listed below for more information about its flying characteristics.)
The aircraft was damaged in an emergency landing in 1994 after an engine failure on takeoff. (See articles listed below for more information about the crash).
The project is in a state of disassembly but most parts necessary to construct a complete aircraft are present and appear to be useable. Significant exceptions include the right wing, windshield, and fuel tanks. New fuel tanks will be required as the original fiberglass tanks are not compatible with current gasolines. Also required will be some smaller items such as hoses.
Bent fuselage tubes were replaced by A&P Jim Allen, an expert welder who previously built several steel tube Starduster aerobatic aircraft from scratch. The S-10 fuselage being sold is now stronger than it was originally, and only fractionally heavier.
Except for the right wing, aileron, and fuselage, all major damaged parts, including landing gear and right side tail surfaces, have been replaced by parts purchased new from RANS. These new parts have been epoxy coated.
Only the onset of Alison’s long term illness prevented the reconstruction of her beloved S-10 after Jim’s repairs.
The components being sold will require careful inspection, recovering, and reassembly in order to create a flightworthy aircraft. Included are a Terra transponder with altitude encoder, full VFR and engine instrumentation, complete wiring harness, inverted fuel system, Mikuni pumper carbs, and a Rotax 582 engine. Many spares are also included, along with a Rotax 532. Both engines need rebuilding, as do all carburetors. The Mikunis were purchased from RANS and were reportedly modified by them, so it would be prudent to have RANS perform the rebuilds.
Scuff marks on the propeller indicate that it made contact with a tree branch prior to the crash. The propeller should be returned to Warp Drive for inspection, or replaced. The spinner also contacted a branch and must be replaced.
Since the original airplane was subjected to high forces in the crash, every part should be carefully inspected for cracks or other damage prior to use. Since the parts have been stored since the accident, corrosion or other deterioration may have occurred. All components should be carefully inspected prior to use.