# NTSB Accident DEN03FA113
> **Mattison Starduster Too** · 2003-06-28 · Ellicott, CO, USA · FATL
## 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.

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*Source: [NTSB CAROL](https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-main-public/basic-search?source=ntsb&type=event&ntsb_number=DEN03FA113) · AI Analytics · CC0 1.0*