N2498

Substantial
None

Marcellus Starduster SA-300S/N: 7242

Accident Details

Date
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
NTSB Number
CHI07CA242
Location
Columbia, IL
Event ID
20070823X01227
Coordinates
38.123054, -90.237503
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
1
Total Aboard
1

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's improper flare, which resulted in a hard landing and subsequent left main landing gear collapse.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
MARCELLUS
Serial Number
7242
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1972
Model / ICAO
Starduster SA-300
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
2
FAA Model
STARDUSTER SA-300

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
WILSON ZACHARY H
Address
5120 SHIELDS LN
City
PLANT CITY
State / Zip Code
FL 33566-8404
Country
United States

Analysis

The experimental amateur-built airplane was substantially damaged when the left main landing gear collapsed during landing. The pilot stated that on short final for runway 21 (2,450 feet by 150 feet, turf) the airplane's sink rate was "higher than it should have been" and that he "did not correct it soon enough." The airplane landed hard, the pilot felt something "give" on the left side, and the left main landing gear collapsed. The pilot stated that the airplane then "swerved to the left" but he was able to stop the airplane on the runway. The pilot reported no mechanical anomalies with the airplane.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CHI07CA242