# NTSB MKC88DCQ01: Flagg Star Lite, N87LF, Ft. Scott, KS, January 1, 1988

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Final report
- Date: January 1, 1988, 11:00 local (17:00 UTC)
- Place: Ft. Scott, KS
- Coordinates: 37.830287, -94.699043 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=37.8303&lon=-94.6990&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed, report April 24, 1990
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 34459
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MKC88DCQ01
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/34459/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC88DCQ01

## Probable cause

THE FAILURE OF THE MAIN SPARS AT THE ATTACHMENT POINTS INSIDE THE FUSELAGE.

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, maneuvering
  - wing,spar - failure,total (cause)
  - acft/equip,inadequate design, manufacturer (cause)
- Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering
  - wing - separation
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE PILOT HAD PLANNED TO MAKE SEVERAL PASSES OVER HIS PARENTS' HOUSE. ON THE THIRD PASS WITNESSES OBSERVED A WING DEPART THE AIRCRAFT AND THE AIRCRAFT FELL FROM THE SKY. THE AIRCRAFT CAME TO REST IN A RIVER. EXAM OF THE AIRCRAFT COMPONENTS REVEALED A SPAR AND SPAR ATTACHMENT FAILURE. COMPARISON OF THE MANUFACTURING PROCESS DISCLOSED AN IMPROPERLY CONSTRUCTED MAIN SPAR (WHERE THE SPARS ATTACH TO EACH OTHER AND TO THE FUSELAGE). A REVIEW OF THE PILOT'S LOG BOOKS DID NOT SHOW ANY LOGGED TIME IN THIS AIRCRAFT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N87LF](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N87LF-2015-04-27), registration cancelled 2015-04-27, S/N 113, built 1987 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: FLAGG STAR LITE
- Registry model: [Flagg Larry D STAR-LITE](https://openairdocs.org/model/flagg-larry-d-star-lite) (registry code 05612JD) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Bombardier ROTAX (ALL)](https://openairdocs.org/engine/bombardier-rotax-all) (registry code 09050, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: 113
- Engines: ROTAX 447 40 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Vernon H. Pavey
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Departed: FSK, FORT SCOTT, KS

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 34; private, commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: center; toxicology performed; flight hours: 281 total, 148 as pilot in command, 16 in the last 90 days, 9 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 340° at 10 knots
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 19 °F, dew point 1 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: CNU, 35 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 19880101000049A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19880101000049A), Jan 1, 1988: Amtras STARLITE, Fort Scott, KS, Destroyed, 1 fatal. Main spar failed while pilot was buzzing pilots parents home. Crashed in river. Builder failed to strengthen wing.

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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