Pilot Discovered Two Through Penetrations Of The Ventral Vertical Stabilizer And Damage To Three Propellor Blade Leading Edges

Location: Addison, Texas Accident Number: CEN25LA020
Date & Time: October 17, 2024, 16:00 Local Registration: N903SC
Aircraft: Starship Enterprise Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT) Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

Analysis: While conducting a post-flight walkaround inspection, the pilot discovered two through penetrations of the ventral vertical stabilizer and damage to three propellor blade leading edges, likely from foreign object debris. The stabilizer sustained substantial damage. The source of the debris could not be determined based on the available information. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. This airplane is an exported former Beechcraft Starship 2000A that was issued a new special airworthiness certificate as an experimental Enterprise during import.

Probable Cause and Findings: The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be -- Foreign object debris damage to the ventral stabilizer. The source of the debris could not be determined based on the available information.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov