# NTSB CHI94DCQ01: Robert O. ELY STARDUSTER-II SA300, N107UP, Baxter Springs, KS, April 2, 1994

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Final report
- Date: April 2, 1994, 09:30 local (15:30 UTC)
- Place: Baxter Springs, KS
- Coordinates: 37.019962, -94.729934 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=37.0200&lon=-94.7299&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed, report January 12, 1995
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 9340
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI94DCQ01
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/9340/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI94DCQ01

## Probable cause

the pilot's failure to maintain altitude during an aerobatic maneuver on takeoff.  A factor related to the accident was the pilot performing an aerobatic maneuver.

## Sequence of events

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

- Abrupt maneuver, takeoff - initial climb
  - aerobatics - attempted, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, maneuvering
  - altitude - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

A WITNESS REPORTED SEEING THE AIRPLANE ENTER A ROLL AT AN ALTITUDE OF APPROXIMATELY 125 TO 150 FEET ABOVE THE GROUND SHORTLY AFTER TAKEOFF. THE WITNESS STATED THE AIRPLANE SEEMED TO COME OUT OF THE ROLL BUT NEVER REGAINED ALTITUDE. THE POST CRASH INSPECTION FOUND NO CONTROL ANOMOLIES. METALLURGICAL INSPECTION OF AILERON CONTROL RODS REVEALED NO PRE-EXISTING CRACKS.

## Factual narrative

HISTORY OF FLIGHT

On April 2, 1994, at 0930 central standard time, a Starduster II SA-300, N107UP, operated as an experimental aircraft by Robert Ely of Baxter Springs, Kansas, impacted terrain 200 yards south of the Baxter Springs Airport and was destroyed.  The private pilot received fatal injuries.  Visual meteorological conditions existed at the time of the accident and no flight plan was filed.

The flight operated under 14 CFR Part 91, and was on a local maintenance check flight following exhaust system repairs.  Immediately after takeoff, at an altitude of approximately 200 feet, the airplane was observed rolling inverted and impacting the ground.

PERSONNEL INFORMATION

Local witnesses reported that the 42 year old private pilot had a history of performing aileron rolls immediately after takeoff and other low level aerobatic maneuvers.

WRECKAGE AND IMPACT INFORMATION

The airplane impacted in an inverted attitude.  Post crash inspection revealed no control system anomalies.  A metallurgical examination of aileron control rod fracture surfaces showed overstress type failures, with no indications of fatigue or pre-existing cracks.

MEDICAL AND PATHOLOGICAL INFORMATION

Toxicological testing was negative for ethanol and drugs.  Suitable samples were not available for Carbon Monoxide and Cyanide.  No autopsy was performed.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N107UP](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N107UP-2013-10-25), registration cancelled 2013-10-25, S/N 107E-FRD, built 1990 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: ROBERT O. ELY STARDUSTER-II SA300 (STARDUSTER)
- Registry model: [ELY Bob STARDUSTER II SA300](https://openairdocs.org/model/ely-bob-starduster-ii-sa300) (registry code 86603EM) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Ford CONVERSION](https://openairdocs.org/engine/ford-conversion) (registry code 26701, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: 107E-FRD
- Engines: FORD V6 reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Robert O. Ely
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Airport: 56K, Baxter Springs, runway 17, 2,860 × 45 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 42; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: rear; toxicology performed; flight hours: 1,065 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 180° at 14 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 15,000 ft overcast
- Temperature: 61 °F, dew point 45 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: JLN, 10 nm away

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19940402007479A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19940402007479A), Apr 2, 1994: Amtrso STARDUSTER2, Baxter Springs, KS, Destroyed, 1 fatal. Rolled 180 on climbout and crashed. History of performing aileron rolls on takeoff.

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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