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.

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.