# NTSB CHI98LA146: Dangremond Challenger II, N199DD, Wayland, MI, May 12, 1998 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: May 11, 1998, 20:20 local (May 12, 1998, 00:20 UTC) - Place: Wayland, MI - Coordinates: 42.66904, -85.639892 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=42.6690&lon=-85.6399&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 1 uninjured - Status: Completed, report December 8, 1998 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 10871 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI98LA146 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/10871/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI98LA146 ## Probable cause the pilot's improper installation of the right wing forward strut attachment bolt. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, takeoff - initial climb - miscellaneous,bolt/nut/fastener/clamp/spring - misrouted (cause) - maintenance,installation - improper, pilot in command (cause) - wing,bracing strut - separation (cause) - Loss of control - in flight, takeoff - initial climb - In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled ## Analysis The pilot said that this was the airplane's first flight. During the initial climb, the right wing strut separated from the fuselage. The pilot said that the airplane was approximately 300 feet above ground level when it entered a right spin. The airplane impacted the ground in an upright position. Examination of the airplane's right wing forward strut showed that the attachment bolt was improperly installed through the fiberglass fairing surrounding the strut, but not through the strut itself. ## Factual narrative On May 11, 1998, at 2020 eastern daylight time (edt), a Dangremond Challenger II, N199DD, operated by a private pilot, was destroyed when on climbout after takeoff, the airplane's right wing strut failed. The airplane subsequently departed controlled flight and impacted the terrain. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The personal flight was being conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. No flight plan was on file. The pilot reported no injuries. The local flight originated at Wayland, Michigan. In his written statement, the pilot said that this was the airplane's first flight. During the initial climb, the right wing strut separated from the fuselage. The pilot said that the airplane was approximately 300 feet above ground level when it entered a right spin. The airplane impacted the ground in an upright position. The pilot said that the right strut bolt was improperly installed. A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector examined the airplane at the accident site. The airplane's fuselage, beneath and forward of the cabin area, was crushed aft and upward. The right main landing gear was broken inward. The left main landing gear was bent upward and broken off at the gear leg's mid-point. The right wing was bent downward at the forward spar. The upper wing skin fabric showed wrinkles fanning aft and outward from the bend. The top of the right wing showed skin wrinkles. The right side of the fuselage, aft of the cabin area to the boom, showed skin wrinkles. The top of the tail boom at the propeller arc was torn open. The airplane's pusher engine was bent over to the right at the firewall. Two of the three propeller blades were broken aft at mid-span. Flight control continuity was confirmed. Examination of the right wing forward strut showed that the attachment bolt was installed through the fiberglass faring surrounding the strut, but not through the strut itself. Examination of the engine, engine controls, and other airplane systems showed no anomalies. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N199DD](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N199DD), registered now, S/N CH203971590, built 1998 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Dangremond CHALLENGER II (CHALLENGER) - Registry model: [Dangremond Daniel D CHALLENGER II](https://openairdocs.org/model/dangremond-daniel-d-challenger-ii) (registry code 05604QK) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Bombardier ROTAX (ALL)](https://openairdocs.org/engine/bombardier-rotax-all) (registry code 09050, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane, amateur-built - Serial number: CH203971590 - Airframe hours: 2 - Engines: Rotax 503 DCDI 50 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Destroyed - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Registered owner: Daniel Dangremond - Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special) - Last inspection: Annual, May 7, 1998, 0 hours before - Departed: 41C - Airport: 41C, Wayland, runway 36, 2,800 × 100 ft, grass/turf ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 31; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: front; flight hours: 117 total, 2 in this make and model, 39 as pilot in command, 1 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 30 days ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Dusk - Wind: 310° at 5 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 64 °F, dew point 52 °F - Altimeter: 29.00 inHg - Observed at: GRR, 13 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 19980511008819A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19980511008819A), May 11, 1998: Amtr CHALLENGER2, Wayland, MI, Destroyed. (.4)The pilot said that this was the airplane's first flight. During the initial climb, the right wing strut separated from the fuselage. The pilot said that… 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. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.