Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
an inadequate maintenance inspection by the pilot/owner and the separation of the wing skin.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
HISTORY OF FLIGHT
On August 22, 1993 at 1230 EDT, a home built Falcon-XP, N534AA took off from a private air strip near Zeeland, Michigan. Shortly after lift-off, the covering on the upper left wing detached and started to peel back resulting in loss of lift and uncontrolled descent into the ground.
INJURIES TO PERSONS
The private pilot and owner of the aircraft received minor injuries.
DAMAGE TO AIRCRAFT
Substantial damage resulted from ground contact. The fuselage collapsed forward of the wing, nose gear folded into fuselage, the wings and tail were distorted.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The wing covering of transparent Mylar, was held onto the aluminum leading edge with tape. The tape peeled off the upper left wing causing a loose flapping covering.
The wreckage was released to the owner R.W. Thorpe on August 23, 1993.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CHI93DEM02