On June 19, 2018, a CRAIG A REED STARDUSTER II NO SERIES was involved in an aviation accident near Morrilton, AR. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot’s loss of directional control during an aborted landing. This summary draws on records from NTSB.
During touch-and-go landings, a tailwheel bi-plane veered right, aborted takeoff, exited the runway, collided with a drainage culvert, and sustained substantial damage to the lower right wing spar.
Accident Overview
A pilot operating a tailwheel-equipped bi-plane was performing touch-and-go takeoff and landings. During the landing roll, the airplane unexpectedly veered to the right. The pilot decided to abort the landing and attempted to gain altitude, but the airplane did not climb. It subsequently exited the right side of the runway, collided with a drainage culvert, and continued rolling approximately 50 feet into an adjacent field before stopping.
Aircraft Damage
Post-accident inspection revealed substantial damage to the lower right wing spar. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Pilot Report
The pilot, who was flying the tailwheel bi-plane, stated that there were no mechanical issues with the aircraft. The accident sequence occurred entirely during the attempted touch-and-go maneuver.
Contributing factors
Causes
PilotDirectional control — Not attained/maintained