# NTSB LAX84FA125: Striplin SKY Ranger, N44223, Lancaster, CA, December 31, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: December 31, 1983, 13:50 local (21:50 UTC)
- Place: Lancaster, CA
- Coordinates: 34.720005, -118.149124 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.7200&lon=-118.1491&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 23924
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX84FA125
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/23924/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX84FA125

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, approach - vfr pattern - downwind
  - flt control syst,elevator control - disconnected (cause)
  - maintenance,installation - improper (cause)
  - inadequate quality control, manufacturer (cause)
- Loss of control - in flight, approach - vfr pattern - downwind
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE PLT WAS PARTICIPATING IN CERTIFICATION TESTS OF THE ACFT. WITNESSES STATED THAT THE PLT HAD MADE A PASS DOWN THE RWY & WAS ON THE DOWNWIND LEG OF THE TRAFFIC PATTERN, AT ABUOT 100 FT AGL, WHEN THE ACFT SUDDENLY PITCHED DOWN & CRASHED. AN EXAM OF THE ELEVATOR CONTROL CABLES REVEALED THAT THE TURNBUCKLE ASSEMBLY TO THE ELEVATOR WAS NOT CONNECTED. THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE THAT ANY SAFETY DEVICE HAD BEEN INSTALLED ON THE TURNBUCKLE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N44223 (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: STRIPLIN SKY RANGER
- Category: Ultralight
- Serial number: 83010 S.C
- Airframe hours: 32
- Engines: ROTAX 503 50 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Part 91
- Registered owner: Kenneth Striplin
- Airport: Ultra Light Park

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 34; commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: helicopter, airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 1,800 total, 40 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 60° at 7 knots
- Visibility: 60 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 41 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: WJF, 2 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 19831231064329A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19831231064329A), Dec 31, 1983: Amtr SKYRANGER, Lancaster, CA, Destroyed. Dived into the ground on downwind during a test flight. Elevator control cable turnbuckle disconnected. Not saftied

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.