# NTSB FTW92LA150: Lewis-Starduster SA300, N5649, Wills Point, TX, June 5, 1992

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 5, 1992, 16:23 local (21:23 UTC)
- Place: Wills Point, TX
- Coordinates: 32.700225, -96.00074 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=32.7002&lon=-96.0007&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed, report June 30, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 18511
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW92LA150
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/18511/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW92LA150

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE VISUAL LOOKOUT.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, maneuvering
  - object - bird(s) (contributing factor)
  - visual lookout - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE PILOT WAS VIEWED BY SEVERAL WITNESSES MANEUVERING HIS AEROBATIC AIRPLANE AT A LOW ALTITUDE OVER OPEN PASTURE LAND. THE AIRPLANE IMPACTED WITH A LARGE BLACK BIRD DURING ONE PASS AND DIRECTIONAL CONTROL WAS LOST. THE AIRPLANE DESCENDED OUT OF CONTROL AND IMPACTED INTO A FIELD. A POST IMPACT FIRE CONSUMED THE AIRFRAME. THE BIRD'S CARCASS WAS LOCATED UNDER THE COCKPIT OF THE INVERTED AIRFRAME.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N5649](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N5649-2013-04-22), registration cancelled 2013-04-22, S/N EL-1, built 1976 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: LEWIS-STARDUSTER SA300
- Registry model: [Lewis STARDUSTER TOO SA300](https://openairdocs.org/model/lewis-starduster-too-sa300) (registry code 8660211) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming I0360 SER A&C](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-i0360-ser-a-c) (registry code 41511, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: EL-1
- Engines: LYCOMING IO-360-B4A 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: White, Jim R.
- Registered owner: White, Jim R.
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, September 23, 1991
- Departed: TRL, TERRELL, TX
- Destination: TRL

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 58; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: rear; toxicology performed; flight hours: 800 total, 20 in this make and model, 750 as pilot in command, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 130° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 4,500 ft broken
- Temperature: 88 °F, dew point 64 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: GVT, 20 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 19920605021839A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19920605021839A), Jun 5, 1992: Amtrso STARDUSTER2, Wills Point, TX, Destroyed, 1 fatal. While buzzing area struck a large bird and crashed. Burned on impact.

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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