# NTSB SEA88LA155: Mace R-2, N711HM, Reno, NV, August 18, 1988

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 18, 1988, 09:45 local (16:45 UTC)
- Place: Reno, NV
- Coordinates: 39.709747, -119.819694 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.7097&lon=-119.8197&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed, report August 8, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 40868
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA88LA155
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/40868/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA88LA155

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, maneuvering
  - aerobatics - performed, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - design stress limits of aircraft - exceeded, pilot in command (cause)
  - wing,spar - overload (cause)
  - wing - separation
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

ACFT HAD BEEN FITTED WITH NEW OUTER WING PANELS OF ELLIPTICAL DESIGN AND WAS ON SIXTH TEST FLIGHT FOR RACING CERTIFICATION, EXPLORING G ENVELOPE. INVESTIGATION REVEALED RIGHT OUTER PANEL SEPARATED IN FLIGHT DURING MANEUVERING. FAILURE OCCURRED IN CENTER SECTION SPAR INBOARD OF THE PANEL ATTACH FITTING. NO EVIDENCE FOUND OF PRE-EXISTING DEFECT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N711HM](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N711HM-2013-05-03), registration cancelled 2013-05-03, S/N 4, built 1970 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: MACE R-2
- Registry model: [Mace R-2](https://openairdocs.org/model/mace-r-2) (registry code 05611DD) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental 0-200 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-0-200-series) (registry code 17020, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: 4
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-200 100 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Part 91
- Operator: Explorer Aircraft Company
- Registered owner: Explorer Aircraft Company
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Last inspection: Unknown, July 31, 1988
- Departed: 4SD, RENO, NV

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 62; flight instructor, airline transport, commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: center; toxicology performed; flight hours: 8,329 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 50 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 81 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: RNO, 14 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 19880818035239A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19880818035239A), Aug 18, 1988: Amtrmh R2, Reno, NV, Destroyed, 1 fatal. On test flight for air race, pilot was testing homebuilt for g loads. Wing skin delaminated and spar broke off.

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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