Primary finding
Probable cause
A failure of the right wing into the propeller.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The homebuilt was in cruise flight approximately 100 feet above ground level when the right wing failed into the propeller. The aircraft made an uncontrolled descent into the ground. The investigation did not disclose any information pertaining to the pilot's flight experience.
Source record
Factual narrative
On October 29, 1994, at 1020 mountain daylight time, an unregistered Pterodactyl Ascender homebuilt was destroyed when the right wing failed in flight approximately 5 miles east of Las Animas, Colorado. The unlicensed pilot sustained fatal injuries on this local area personal flight which departed Hasty, Colorado, earlier in the morning. According to witness information, the aircraft was in cruise flight approximately 100 feet above ground level when the right wing folded into the propeller. The aircraft made an uncontrolled descent into the ground. Witnesses arrived on the scene within a short period of time and attempted to assist the pilot until paramedics arrived. During the course of the investigation, no information was found pertaining to the flight experience of the pilot. It is the investigator's estimate that the pilot had less than 10 hours of flight time. Weather conditions in the area were reported to be clear skies and light winds at the time of the accident. On scene examination by an FAA inspector could not determine the failure mode. -