# NTSB MKC82FA069: Starfire JRF, N560A, Adel, IA, May 2, 1982

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: May 2, 1982, 18:45 local (23:45 UTC)
- Place: Adel, IA
- Coordinates: 41.609771, -94.020645 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.6098&lon=-94.0206&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed, report May 2, 1983
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 69688
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MKC82FA069
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/69688/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC82FA069

## Sequence of events

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

- Hard landing, landing - flare/touchdown
  - level off - improper, pilot in command (cause)
- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, landing - flare/touchdown
  - wing,spar - overload
  - landing gear - inadequate (contributing factor)
  - acft/equip,inadequate airframe, manufacturer (contributing factor)
  - wing,spar - separation
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE OWNER/PILOT OF THE HOME BUILT AIRCRAFT WAS PRACTICING TOUCH-AND-GO LANDINGS. WHILE CLIMBING AFTER THE SECOND TOUCH-AND-GO, THE LEFT WING SEPARATED AND THE AIRCRAFT CRASHED ABOUT 3/4 MILE SOUTH OF THE AIRPORT. A WITNESS REPORTED THAT ON ONE OF THE LANDINGS, THE PLANE HIT RATHER HARD; REPORTEDLY, HE COULD TELL THAT IT HIT HARD BY THE NOISE IT MADE. AN EXAMINATION OF THE LEFT WING REVEALED THAT THE WOODEN MAIN SPAR HAD BROKEN NEAR THE END OF THE FUSELAGE CARRY THROUGH. THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE OF DETERIORATION OF THE WOOD IN THE VICINITY OF THE BREAK. THE MAIN GEAR ON THIS AIRCRAFT DID NOT INCORPORATE A SHOCK STRUT. THE MAIN LANDING GEAR WAS ATTACHED TO THE WING SPAR AND THE TIRES ABSORBED SHOCK DURING LANDINGS AND GROUND OPERATIONS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N560A](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N560A-1982-12-21), registration cancelled 1982-12-21, S/N 22 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: STARFIRE JRF
- Registry model: [Starfire JRF](https://openairdocs.org/model/starfire-jrf) (registry code 056012M) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: 22
- Airframe hours: 1290
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-E2A 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Duane E. Dekock
- Registered owner: Duane E. Dekock
- Departed: K25, ADEL, IA
- Destination: K25, ADEL, IA
- Airport: K25, Husband, runway 17, 2,650 × 250 ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 48; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; flight hours: 348 total, 19 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 180° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 12 statute miles
- Temperature: 163 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: DSM, 22 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 19820502012959A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19820502012959A), May 2, 1982: Amtr STARFIRE, Adel, IA, Destroyed. Wing separated from aircraft during climb after takeoff. Witness stated hard landing had been made previously.

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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