# NTSB CHI90DET03: Pterodactyl Ascender II+2, Lake Village, IN, January 24, 1990

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Final report
- Date: January 24, 1990, 13:00 local (19:00 UTC)
- Place: Lake Village, IN
- Coordinates: 41.120613, -87.450294 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.1206&lon=-87.4503&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed, report September 21, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 14493
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI90DET03
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/14493/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI90DET03

## Probable cause

IN-FLIGHT STRUCTURAL FAILURE OF THE RIGHT WING SPAR.

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - wing,spar - failure,total (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - terrain condition - open field

## Analysis

EXPERIMENTAL HOMEBUILT CRASHED WHILE ON FINAL APPROACH TO LANDING. WITNESSES OBSERVED THE RIGHT WING TO FOLD IN FLIGHT AND THE AIRCRAFT TUMBLE END OVER END TO THE GROUND. INVESTIGATION REVEALED COMPLETE FAILURE OF THE RIGHT WING SPAR.

## Aircraft

- Registration: UNREG (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: PTERODACTYL ASCENDER II+2 (ASCENDER I)
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Engines: CUYUNA LURR 430 35 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Macmillen, James W.
- Registered owner: Unknown
- Departed: C98, LAKE VILLAGE, IN
- Airport: C98, Lake Village, runway 36, 2,480 × 150 ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 46; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, expired; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 172 total, 172 as pilot in command, 13 in the last 90 days, 3 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 230° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 48 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: GYY, 27 nm away

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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