# NTSB MIA89LA079: Stolp-Adams SA100, N511U, Indian Rocks, FL, February 4, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: February 4, 1989, 14:30 local (19:30 UTC)
- Place: Indian Rocks, FL
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report May 22, 1990
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 32394
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA89LA079
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/32394/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA89LA079

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S ATTEMPT TO PERFORM AEROBATIC MANEUVERS IN AN AIRCRAFT THAT WAS NOT EQUIPPED WITH FUEL AND OIL SYSTEMS THAT WOULD CONTINUE TO OPERATE IN INVERTED POSITIONS. THIS ACTION RESULTED IN A LOSS OF POWER AND THE PILOT HAVING TO DITCH THE AIRCRAFT.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power, maneuvering
  - fuel system - starvation (cause)
  - aerobatics - performed, pilot in command (cause)
  - operation with known deficiencies in equipment - attempted, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- Ditching, landing - flare/touchdown
  - terrain condition - water

## Analysis

WHILE PERFORMING INVERTED AEROBATIC MANEUVERS NEAR THE COAST LINE, THE ENG (WHICH WAS NOT INSTALLED WITH AN INVERTED FUEL OR OIL SYSTEM), SUSTAINED A LOSS OF POWER DUE TO FUEL STARVATION. UNABLE TO RESTART THE ENG, THE PLT ELECTED TO DITCH THE ACFT NEAR THE SHORE. EXAMINATION OF THE ENG REVEALED NO EVIDENCE OF FAILURE OR MALFUNCTION.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N511U](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N511U-2017-10-06), registration cancelled 2017-10-06, S/N WR-001, built 1972 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: STOLP-ADAMS SA100
- Registry model: [Thrash Frank J SA100](https://openairdocs.org/model/thrash-frank-j-sa100) (registry code 8660104) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-290 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-290-series) (registry code 41506, 4 cycle) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: WR-001
- Airframe hours: 562
- Engines: LYCOMING O-290-D2 135 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Talmadge, Scott
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, December 3, 1988, 29 hours before
- Departed: SPG, ST PETERSBURG, FL

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 60; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land, single-engine sea; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: center; flight hours: 2,021 total, 2,021 as pilot in command, 29 in the last 90 days, 20 in the last 30 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 50° at 6 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 81 °F, dew point 70 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: PIE, 8 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 19890204015849A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19890204015849A), Feb 4, 1989: Amtrsa SA100, Indian Rocks Be, FL, Substantial damage. Engine quit, ditched in gulf off shore. Owner says pilot was flying inverted acrobatics. No inverted fuel system.

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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