1 fatal · Mattison Starduster Too · 2003-06-28 · Ellicott, CO, USA
Event
NTSB number
DEN03FA113
Event ID
20030701X00990
Type
Accident
Date
2003-06-28
Location
Ellicott, CO, USA
Coordinates
38.872776, -104.411666
Injuries
Highest injury
FATL
Fatal
1
Serious
0
Minor
0
Uninjured
0
Total aboard
1
Aircraft
Make
Mattison
Model
Starduster Too
Registration
N80T
FAR Part
091
Engines
1
Damage
DEST
Conditions
Light
DAYL
Weather
VMC
Probable cause
the pilot's improper in-flight planning/decision to perform aerobatics at low altitude and the failed welds at the elevator horn and torque tube. Factors contributing to the accident were the pilot performing aerobatics at low altitude, his inability to maintain aircraft control after the elevator attachment failed, the poor welds at the elevator horn and torque tube, the builder's poor installation of the elevator, and inadequate conditional inspections that failed to reveal the problem with the welds.