# NTSB MIA88LA146: Fischer STAR-LITE, N20RF, Lakeland, FL, April 13, 1988

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: April 13, 1988, 11:30 local (15:30 UTC)
- Place: Lakeland, FL
- Coordinates: 28.22064, -81.970855 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=28.2206&lon=-81.9709&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report March 13, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 32162
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA88LA146
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/32162/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA88LA146

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, maneuvering
  - horizontal stabilizer attachment - failure,total (cause)
  - maintenance,major repair - improper, manufacturer (cause)
  - stabilizer - separation
  - airspeed(vne) - exceeded, pilot in command (cause)
  - wing - overload
  - wing - separation
  - emergency procedure - performed, pilot in command
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE OWNER/MANUFACTURER OF THE HOMEBUILT ACFT REPAIRED THE HORIZONTAL STABILIZERS, THEN ASKED THE DESIGNER TO TEST FLY THE AIRCRAFT. AFTER TAKEOFF, AT AN ALT OF APRX 7,000 FEET MSL, IN A NOSE LOW ATTITUDE, AT 158 MPH ( 28 MPH GREATER THAN VNE) BOTH HORIZONTAL STABILIZERS SEPARATED. THE NOSE OF THE AIRCRAFT PITCHED DOWN, AFTER WHICH THE WINGS FAILED NEGATIVELY. THE PILOT PARACHUTED TO THE ROOF OF A HOUSE, THEN WAS PULLED TO THE GROUND WHEN THE CANOPY WAS REINFLATED BY THE WIND. THE AIRCRAFT COLLIDED WITH TERRAIN AND CAME TO REST NEAR A RESIDENCE WITH NO PROPERTY DAMAGE. ACCORDING TO THE DESIGNER, THE OWNER SHOULD HAVE SEPARATED THE TWO STABILIZERS INTO FOUR SECTIONS, APPLIED EPOXY TO THE INSIDE OF EACH, AS WELL AS TO THE ALUMINUM SPAR, THEN ASSEMBLED THEM.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N20RF](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N20RF-1991-03-11), registration cancelled 1991-03-11, S/N 131 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: FISCHER STAR-LITE
- Registry model: [Fischer Robert L STAR-LITE](https://openairdocs.org/model/fischer-robert-l-star-lite) (registry code 0561206) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: 131
- Airframe hours: 90
- Engines: ROTAX 447 40 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Part 91
- Registered owner: Robert L. Fischer
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 36; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: center; flight hours: 1,742 total, 228 in this make and model, 1,680 as pilot in command, 10 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 310° at 14 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 68 °F, dew point 45 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: LAL, 5 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 19880413046539A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19880413046539A), Apr 13, 1988: Amtras STARLITE, Lakeland, FL, Destroyed. Elevators separated during a test flight dive. Wings failed and pilot bailed out. Elevators improperly installed.

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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