Premium research interface

The modern interface for aviation safety intelligence.

Search investigations, review source evidence, monitor watched reports, and trace long-term patterns from one calm, data-first workspace.

63k+
Reports indexed
1940-2026
Coverage
Recent
Last data refresh
Featured Report

Loading…

Loading featured report…

Loading…
Open Report

Safety trends by operating rule

Track fatal and non-fatal accident patterns across Part 91, Part 135, and Part 121 operations.

Loading trend charts…

Browse the aviation graph

Move quickly by aircraft, airport, operator, and time with indexes built for research, not wandering.

Last Data Update

By Decade

By Month

Aircraft Manufacturer

More manufacturers

Airports

More airports

Operators

More operators

About

Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

The goal is practical safety education: make it faster to find relevant investigations, compare similar events, review factual records, and understand the evidence behind probable-cause and preliminary reports.

The investigative work and source records belong to the National Transportation Safety Board and the published investigation record. This site is not affiliated with or endorsed by the NTSB.

FAQs

NTSB Report

December 6, 1997 · Siggi S Airplane Works D-4 Fascination D-4 Fascin · DMSMV

Leesburg, FL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
December 6, 1997
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 fatalities)
Location
Leesburg, FL
Aircraft
Siggi S Airplane Works D-4 Fascination D-4 Fascin
Tail Number
DMSMV
Operator
Siegbert Metzger
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
ATL98LA019

The airplane collided with the ground shortly after takeoff from the airport. Witnesses reported the airplane rolled, pitched down 45 degrees, and impacted the ground. According to an FAA inspector, the right wing had a structural failure. The right wing fabric covering was severely cracked on both the top and bottom, and the interior wing components were twisted. The right wing spar was fractured one foot outboard of the internal drag brace. The FAA Inspector stated that a representative from the German manufacturer examined the airplane and stated that a structural failure involving de-bonding of the adhesive may have contributed to the crippling of the right wing. The right flap hinge was found approximately 40 feet away from the impact site. A piece of the wing root and plastic lens cap were found approximately 1/4 of a mile from the impact site.

NTSB Probable Cause

structural failure of the right wing, during the initial climb after takeoff, which resulted in an uncontrolled descent to the ground.

Full Narrative

On December 6, 1997, about 1630 eastern standard time, a Siggi's Airplane Works D-4 Fascination, German kit airplane, foreign registry D-MSMV, collided with the ground shortly after takeoff from the Flying Florida Gator Airport, in Leesburg, Florida. The homebuilt airplane was operated by the owner/pilot under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91, and visual flight rules. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. A flight plan was not filed for the personal flight. The private pilot and his passenger were fatally injured, and the airplane was destroyed. The flight was originating at the time of the accident. The pilot was a private pilot of German nationality. He had a FAA private pilot's certificate which was valid when accompanied by the German pilot's license. According to the FAA, a German pilot may fly a German registered aircraft under Part 91 as part of a reciprocal agreement between the United States and Germany. The airplane was a two-seat, single engine kitplane. According to the FAA, this was the only airplane of this type being operated in the United States. However, according to German Authorities, there are about 50 operating in Germany. The FAA Inspector stated that a representative from the German manufacturer examined the airplane and stated that a structural failure involving de-bonding of the adhesive may have contributed to the crippling of the right wing. Examination of the airplane by the FAA Inspector found that the right wing fabric covering was severely cracked on both the top and bottom, and the interior wing components were twisted. The left wing did not exhibit similar damage. The right wing spar was fractured one foot outboard of the internal drag brace. The right flap hinge was found approximately 40 feet away from the impact site. A piece of the wing root and plastic lens cap were found approximately 1/4 of a mile from the impact site. The FAA inspector also noted that the Ballistic Recovery System (parachute) was deployed on impact. He was able to confirm rudder and elevator continuity to the bell cranks. According to the FAA inspector, witnesses reported the airplane rolled, pitched down 45 degrees, and impacted the ground. They also stated the engine was turning prior to impact, and the airplane had fuel. The aircraft, pilot, and engine logbooks were not recovered after the accident. A post mortem examination of the pilot was performed by Dr. Rendon of the Lake County Medical Examiner's Office on December 7, 1998. A toxicological examination was completed by the FAA's Toxicology and Research Laboratory on January 14, 1998. It was negative for drugs, ethanol, cyanide, and carbon monoxide.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:30 EST
Nearest AirportFlying Florida Gator (1nm N)
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftSiggi S Airplane Works D-4 Fascination D-4 Fascin
Tail NumberDMSMV
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
OperatorSiegbert Metzger
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsRotax · 912UL · Reciprocating · 80
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (2 fatalities)
Fatal2
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 28 · Unknown

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind300° @ 10 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point39 C / 39 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time21:50
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data