# NTSB ERA14FA256: Stolp Starduster SA-300, N4493, Newton, NC, May 26, 2014 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report - Date: May 25, 2014, 20:05 local (May 26, 2014, 00:05 UTC) - Place: Newton, NC - Coordinates: 35.623889, -81.138336 - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.6239&lon=-81.1383&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining event: [Maneuvering-aerobatics: Loss of control in flight](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240) - Highest injury: Fatal - Injuries: 1 fatal - Status: Completed, report September 24, 2014 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB office: Eastern Region Aviation - Parties: FAA/FSDO, Lycoming Engines - NTSB case key (mKey): 89267 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ERA14FA256 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/89267/pdf - NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=89267 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA14FA256 ## Probable cause The pilot’s failure to recover from an intentional spin. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s lack of adequate spin entry and recovery training. ## Findings NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause. - [Use of equip/info: aircraft control](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040): Personnel issues › Task performance · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Stolp Starduster SA-300, 2 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md?model=86601S7), [All aircraft, 9,295 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md) - [Performance/control parameters](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062000): Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability · Not attained/maintained (probable cause); cases with it: [Stolp Starduster SA-300, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062000/cases.md?model=86601S7), [All aircraft, 1,269 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062000/cases.md) - [Experience/qualifications: total experience w/ equipment](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02031025): Personnel issues › Experience/knowledge · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Stolp Starduster SA-300, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02031025/cases.md?model=86601S7), [All aircraft, 269 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02031025/cases.md) ## Sequence of events The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened. - [Maneuvering-aerobatics: Aerodynamic stall/spin](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/241); cases with it: [Stolp Starduster SA-300, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/241/sequence.md?model=86601S7), [All aircraft, 1,529 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/241/sequence.md) - [Maneuvering-aerobatics: Loss of control in flight](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240) (defining event); cases with it: [Stolp Starduster SA-300, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240/sequence.md?model=86601S7), [All aircraft, 5,002 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240/sequence.md) - [Uncontrolled descent: Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT) ](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470); cases with it: [Stolp Starduster SA-300, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md?model=86601S7), [All aircraft, 10,189 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md) ## Analysis Several witnesses reported seeing the airplane spiral to the ground. A review of a video recorded by another witness revealed that, during the flight, the airplane entered a left spin and completed about seven revolutions before descending behind a treeline and impacting a wheat field. Examination of the wreckage did not reveal any preimpact mechanical malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation. A flight instructor reported that the pilot had been attempting to teach himself aerobatics in his experimental, amateur-built airplane before the accident and that he had provided the pilot one aerobatic lesson in the pilot's airplane. The flight instructor noted that the pilot's knowledge and skill level with spin entry and recovery were inadequate. The pilot subsequently contacted the flight instructor on two more occasions and requested more training. The flight instructor agreed to do the training as long as it was performed in his airplane; however, the pilot would not agree to use the instructor's airplane and did not receive further aerobatic training. ## Factual narrative The two-seat tandem, bi-wing, fixed tailwheel airplane, serial number 224, was constructed from a kit of steel tubing, with the wing and tail surfaces covered in fabric. The wing spars were constructed of wood. The kit was manufactured in 1971 and the airplane was issued an FAA airworthiness certificate in 1980. It was powered by a Lycoming O-320, 150-horsepower engine, equipped with a Sensenich two-blade, fixed-pitch propeller. According to the aircraft logbooks, the airplane's most recent condition inspection was completed on May 20, 2009. At that time, the airplane had accumulated 873.4 total hours of operation. The engine had accumulated 1,623.5 total hours of operation; of which, 1,054.5 hours were accumulated since the last major overhaul was performed in 1966. According to the tachometer, the airplane had flown about 40 hours from the time of the condition inspection until the accident. The airplane was involved in a prior accident in 2010 and was sold by a salvage facility to the pilot. The pilot made a logbook entry on June 16, 2012, noting that the engine was in airworthy condition; however, the pilot was not qualified to perform a condition inspection on the airplane. On May 25, 2014, about 2005 eastern daylight time, an experimental, amateur-built Stolp Starduster SA-300, N4493, operated by a private individual, was substantially damaged when it impacted a wheat field following an intentional spin near Newton, North Carolina. The private pilot was fatally injured. The personal flight was conducted under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the local flight. The flight originated from Laneys Airport (N92), Maiden, North Carolina, about 1945. The airplane was based at N92. According to a flight instructor, prior to the accident flight, the pilot had been attempting to teach himself aerobatics in the accident airplane. The flight instructor encouraged the pilot to receive formal training, but the pilot preferred to fly his own airplane. The flight instructor agreed on one occasion to provide training in the pilot's airplane. They performed steep turns, stalls, and slow flight uneventfully. They then performed several spins, including power on, power off, and accelerated spin entries; however, the pilot's knowledge and skill level were not quite adequate and the flight instructor terminated the spin training early. Additionally, the flight instructor noticed some deficiencies with the airplane during landing and advised the pilot not to fly it until repairs could be completed. The pilot subsequently contacted the flight instructor on two more occasions and requested more training. The flight instructor agreed to the training, as long as it was performed in his Decathlon, which the pilot did not agree to. Three witnesses, who lived near the accident site, observed the airplane in level flight when the engine noise decreased and it entered aspin. The airplane continued to spin and descended toward the ground. One witness stated that the prior to the spin, the airplane performed a few tricks and a couple of stalls. A second witness stated that the airplane stopped spinning about 300 feet above the ground, but continued to nose dive into a wheat field. The third witness recorded a video of the accident sequence and a copy was forwarded to the NTSB Vehicle Recorders Laboratory, Washington, D.C., for further review. Review of the video revealed that the airplane entered a left-turn spin and completed about seven revolutions before disappearing behind a treeline. An autopsy was performed on the pilot on May 28, 2014, by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, Chapel Hill, North Carolina. The cause of death was attributed to multiple injuries and no findings that could be considered causal to the accident were reported. Toxicological testing was performed on the pilot by the FAA Bioaeronautical Science Research Laboratory, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The results were negative for carbon monoxide, alcohol, and drugs. Hickory Regional Airport (HKY), Hickory, North Carolina, was located about 14 miles northwest of the accident site. The recorded weather at HKY, at 1953, was: wind from 190 degrees at 3 knots; visibility 10 miles; few clouds at 9,000 feet; temperature 23 degrees Celsius; dew point 16 degrees Celsius; altimeter 30.15 inches of mercury. The pilot held a private pilot certificate with a rating for airplane single-engine land, which was issued on December 11, 2011. His most recent Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) third-class medical certificate was issued on November 6, 2013. At that time, he reported a total flight experience of 115 hours. The pilot's logbook was not recovered. The airplane impacted a wheat field and came to rest in a flat, upright attitude, on a magnetic heading about 130 degrees. The bi-wing had partially separated from the fuselage and was canted forward. The left and right ailerons remained attached to their respective upper and lower wings. The empennage remained intact and exhibited little damage. Control continuity was confirmed from the elevator and rudder to the rear cockpit control stick. The aileron system was constructed of push-pull tubes, which were impact damaged and continuity could not be confirmed. Continuity was also confirmed from the elevator trim tab to the pilot's seat (rear). The cockpit was crushed, but the pilot's seat and 4-point harness remained intact. The forward fuselage fuel tank was compromised and an odor of fuel was present. The engine remained partially attached the fuselage. The two propeller blades remained attached to the hub. The propeller flange had cracked and the propeller separated from the crankshaft. The airplane was not insured and not immediately recovered from the wheat field. Following its recovery, the engine was further examined by an FAA inspector. The inspector noted cable continuity to the carburetor.The carburetor fuel screen was clean and the oil screen was absent of metallic particles. Due to impact damage, the crankshaft could only rotate about 1 inch, but the inspector was able to verify that all pistons moved and gears at the rear accessory section turned. Both magnetos produced spark at all leads when rotated by hand and the spark plugs exhibited normal wear. The throttle cable remained attached to the carburetor and the mixture control arm remained attached to the upper portion part of the carburetor assembly. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N4493](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N4493-2018-03-14), registration cancelled 2018-03-14, S/N 224, built 1971 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: STOLP STARDUSTER SA-300 - Registry model: [Stolp Starduster SA-300](https://openairdocs.org/model/stolp-starduster-sa-300) (registry code 86601S7) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane, amateur-built - Serial number: 224 - Year built: 1971 - Airframe hours: 873 - Engines: LYCOMING O-320 150 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Operator: Thomas James B - Registered owner: Thomas James B - Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special) - Last inspection: Condition, May 20, 2009, 40 hours before - Departed: N92, Maiden, NC - Destination: N92, Maiden, NC ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 55; injuries: fatal; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, with waivers/limitations; seat: rear; restraint: 4-point; toxicology performed; flight hours: 115 total, 999,999 in this make and model ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 190° at 3 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 73 °F, dew point 61 °F - Altimeter: 30.14 inHg - Observed at: HKY, 14 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 20140525007699A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20140525007699A), May 25, 2014: Stolp Starduster SA-300, Newton, NC, Destroyed, 1 fatal. Review of video shows pilot entered a spin maneuver and never recovered and contacted the ground resulting in a fatality. ## Other investigations on N4493 (1) 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. - [NTSB WPR10CA183](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR10CA183), Mar 28, 2010: Stolp Starduster SA-300 (N4493), Goodyear, AZ, substantial damage. Probable cause: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing rollout with a quartering tailwind, resulting in collapse of the right main landing gear. ## Docket (15 files) The files NTSB released with the investigation on September 4, 2014, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=89267. 3.8 MB in all. - Interview Summaries (item 1, .PDF, 67 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40416087&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Interview%20Summaries-Master.PDF - FAA Inspector Statement (item 2, .PDF, 63 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40416088&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=FAA%20Inspector%20Statement-Redacted.PDF - CFI Statement (item 3, .PDF, 60 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40416089&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=CFI%20Statement-Redacted.PDF - Excerpts from Airframe Logbook (item 4, .PDF, 581 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40416090&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Excerpts%20from%20Airframe%20Logbook-Redacted.PDF - Excerpts from Engine Logbook (item 5, .PDF, 1.0 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40416091&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Excerpts%20from%20Engine%20Logbook-Redacted.PDF - Weather Report (item 6, .PDF, 16 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40416092&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Weather%20Report-Master.PDF - Statement of Party Representatives to NTSB Investigation (item 7, .PDF, 140 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40416094&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Statement%20of%20Party%20Representatives%20to%20NTSB%20Investigation-Redacted.PDF - Toxicology Report (item 8, .PDF, 113 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40416093&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Toxicology%20Report-Master.PDF - Release of Aircraft Wreckage Form (item 9, .PDF, 222 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40416095&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Release%20of%20Aircraft%20Wreckage%20Form-Master.PDF - Witness Video of Accident Spin (item 10, .PDF, 154 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40416108&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Witness%20Video%20of%20Accident%20Spin-Master.PDF - Photo 1 - Right Side of Wreckage (item 11, .PDF, 288 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40416097&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%201%20-%20Right%20Side%20of%20Wreckage-Master.PDF - Photo 2 - Rear of Wreckage (item 12, .PDF, 285 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40416098&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%202%20-%20Rear%20of%20Wreckage-Master.PDF - Photo 3 - Propeller Blade (item 13, .PDF, 298 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40416099&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%203%20-%20Propeller%20Blade-Master.PDF - Photo 4 - Instrument Panel (item 14, .PDF, 306 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40416100&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%204%20-%20Instrument%20Panel-Master.PDF - Photo 5 - Engine (Photo Courtesy of FAA) (item 15, .PDF, 183 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40416101&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%205%20-%20Engine%20(Photo%20Courtesy%20of%20FAA)-Master.PDF 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.