# NTSB FTW95LA034: Brisendine Pterodactyl/Ascender, Las Animas, CO, October 29, 1994

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: October 29, 1994, 10:20 local (16:20 UTC)
- Place: Las Animas, CO
- Coordinates: 38.059253, -103.220001 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=38.0593&lon=-103.2200&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed, report June 19, 1995
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 19296
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW95LA034
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/19296/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW95LA034

## Probable cause

A FAILURE OF THE RIGHT WING INTO THE PROPELLER.

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, cruise
  - wing - failure,total (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE HOMEBUILT WAS IN CRUISE FLIGHT APPROXIMATELY 100 FEET ABOVE GROUND LEVEL WHEN THE RIGHT WING FAILED INTO THE PROPELLER. THE AIRCRAFT MADE AN UNCONTROLLED DESCENT INTO THE GROUND. THE INVESTIGATION DID NOT DISCLOSE ANY INFORMATION PERTAINING TO THE PILOT'S FLIGHT EXPERIENCE.

## Factual narrative

On October 29, 1994, at 1020 mountain daylight time, an unregistered Pterodactyl Ascender homebuilt was destroyed when the right wing failed in flight approximately 5 miles east of Las Animas, Colorado.  The unlicensed pilot sustained fatal injuries on this local area personal flight which departed Hasty, Colorado, earlier in the morning.

According to witness information, the aircraft was in cruise flight approximately 100 feet above ground level when the right wing folded into the propeller.  The aircraft made an uncontrolled descent into the ground.  Witnesses arrived on the scene within a short period of time and attempted to assist the pilot until paramedics arrived.

During the course of the investigation, no information was found pertaining to the flight experience of the pilot.  It is the investigator's estimate that the pilot had less than 10 hours of flight time.

Weather conditions in the area were reported to be clear skies and light winds at the time of the accident.

On scene examination by an FAA inspector could not determine the failure mode.

## Aircraft

- Registration: UNREG (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: BRISENDINE PTERODACTYL/ASCENDER (PTERODACTY)
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: 942
- Engines: ROTAX 430R 30 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Brisendine, Cleo C.
- Departed: HASTY, CO
- Destination: CO

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 48; seat: front; flight hours: 10 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 60° at 7 knots
- Visibility: 40 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 46 °F, dew point 25 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: LHX, 20 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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