Accident Overview
On January 13, 2018, at 0945 Hawaii-Aleutian standard time, an experimental JA30 Superstol airplane, registration N413Z, sustained substantial damage during a landing at Kalaeloa Airport / John Rodgers Field (PHJR), Kapolei, Hawaii. The private pilot, who was the sole occupant, was not injured. The aircraft was operated under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed.
Flight History
The flight originated from Dillingham Airfield (PHDH), Mokuleia, Hawaii, at 0904. According to the pilot's written statement, during the landing at PHDH, he experienced difficulty with the suspension system and the airplane ground looped. A visual inspection at PHDH revealed no damage, and the pilot subsequently departed for PHJR.
Accident Sequence
Upon touchdown at PHJR 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 had separated from the aircraft and was located on the runway near the touchdown point.
Post-Accident Examination
The separated suspension strut was sent to the NTSB Materials Laboratory for examination. A metallurgist reported that the separation features were consistent with an overload type of failure.