N983AM

On August 6, 2025 about 1552 central daylight time, a Stolp Starduster SA 300 airplane was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Marshall, Arkansas. The pilot was not injured. The airplane was operated under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight.

According to the pilot, he purchased the airplane earlier in the day and performed about 6 takeoffs and landings before departing Smith Field Airport (SLG), Siloam Springs, Arkansas for Classic Airstrip (23AR), Jonesboro, Arkansas. Before departing SLG he topped off the main tank, which holds 27 gallons of fuel and the auxiliary tank, which holds 17 gallons of fuel for a total of 44 gallons of fuel.

About 40 minutes after departing SLG, the airplane had a sudden and total loss of power. The pilot attempted to troubleshoot by manipulating the throttle and switching fuel tanks, but the power was unable to be restored. The pilot performed an off airport landing to a field striking the right wing on a fence post during the landing sequence. The airplane flipped over and came to rest inverted. The wings and fuselage were substantially damaged.

The pilot stated that the airplane had a conditional inspection on July 1, 2025, and this was the first flight after the inspection was performed other than the 6 takeoffs and landings he made prior to departing SLG.

The airplane was retained for further examination.