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NTSB Report
May 2, 1982 · Starfire JRF · N560A
Adel, IA
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 2, 1982
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 fatality)
Location
Adel, IA
Aircraft
Starfire JRF
Tail Number
N560A
Operator
Duane E Dekock
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
MKC82FA069
THE OWNER/PILOT OF THE HOME BUILT AIRCRAFT WAS PRACTICING TOUCH-AND-GO LANDINGS. WHILE CLIMBING AFTER THE SECOND TOUCH-AND-GO, THE LEFT WING SEPARATED AND THE AIRCRAFT CRASHED ABOUT 3/4 MILE SOUTH OF THE AIRPORT. A WITNESS REPORTED THAT ON ONE OF THE LANDINGS, THE PLANE HIT RATHER HARD; REPORTEDLY, HE COULD TELL THAT IT HIT HARD BY THE NOISE IT MADE. AN EXAMINATION OF THE LEFT WING REVEALED THAT THE WOODEN MAIN SPAR HAD BROKEN NEAR THE END OF THE FUSELAGE CARRY THROUGH. THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE OF DETERIORATION OF THE WOOD IN THE VICINITY OF THE BREAK. THE MAIN GEAR ON THIS AIRCRAFT DID NOT INCORPORATE A SHOCK STRUT. THE MAIN LANDING GEAR WAS ATTACHED TO THE WING SPAR AND THE TIRES ABSORBED SHOCK DURING LANDINGS AND GROUND OPERATIONS.
Full Narrative
THE OWNER/PILOT OF THE HOME BUILT AIRCRAFT WAS PRACTICING TOUCH-AND-GO LANDINGS. WHILE CLIMBING AFTER THE SECOND TOUCH-AND-GO, THE LEFT WING SEPARATED AND THE AIRCRAFT CRASHED ABOUT 3/4 MILE SOUTH OF THE AIRPORT. A WITNESS REPORTED THAT ON ONE OF THE LANDINGS, THE PLANE HIT RATHER HARD; REPORTEDLY, HE COULD TELL THAT IT HIT HARD BY THE NOISE IT MADE. AN EXAMINATION OF THE LEFT WING REVEALED THAT THE WOODEN MAIN SPAR HAD BROKEN NEAR THE END OF THE FUSELAGE CARRY THROUGH. THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE OF DETERIORATION OF THE WOOD IN THE VICINITY OF THE BREAK. THE MAIN GEAR ON THIS AIRCRAFT DID NOT INCORPORATE A SHOCK STRUT. THE MAIN LANDING GEAR WAS ATTACHED TO THE WING SPAR AND THE TIRES ABSORBED SHOCK DURING LANDINGS AND GROUND OPERATIONS.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time18:45 CDT
Nearest AirportHUSBAND (0nm N)
Runway17
Runway Length2650 ft
Runway Width250 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftStarfire JRF
Tail NumberN560A
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
OperatorDuane E Dekock
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-E2A · Reciprocating · 150
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 fatality)
Fatal1
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 48 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind180° @ 10 kt
Visibility12 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point16 C / 0 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time18:50