N413Z

On January 13, 2018, at 0945 Hawaii-Aleutian standard time, an experimental JA30 Superstol airplane, N413Z, was substantially damaged during landing at Kalaeloa Airport /John Rodgers Field (PHJR), Kapolei, Hawaii. The private pilot was not injured. The airplane was registered to and operated by the pilot as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The flight originated from Dillingham Airfield (PHDH), Mokuleia, Hawaii, at 0904.

The pilot reported in a written statement that during the landing at PHDH, he had some difficulty with the suspension system and the airplane ground looped. The pilot did a visual inspection of the airplane and found no damage. The pilot then took off and flew to PHJR for landing. After touchdown at a speed of about 30 mph, the airplane veered sharply and the right landing gear strut collapsed. After the accident, the pilot discovered that the right suspension strut separated from the airplane and it was found on the runway near the touchdown point.

The suspension strut was sent to the NTSB Materials Laboratory for examination. The metallurgist reported that the separation features were consistent with an overload type of failure.