19 Jun 2018: CRAIG A REED STARDUSTER II NO SERIES — Morrilton, AR

No fatalitiesMorrilton, AR, United States

A tailwheel biplane exited the runway and struck a drainage culvert while the pilot was attempting to abort a landing.

What happened

On June 19, 2018, a Craig A Reed Starduster II was performing touch-and-go takeoff and landing maneuvers in Morrilton, Arkansas. During the landing roll, the aircraft veered to the right. The pilot attempted to abort the landing, but the aircraft failed to gain sufficient altitude. The plane exited the right side of the runway and collided with a drainage culvert. Following the impact, the aircraft rolled approximately 50 feet into the field on the right side of the runway before coming to a stop.

The pilot was not injured during the accident.

The investigation

The investigation focused on the aircraft's movement during the landing roll and the subsequent impact. The N969TM sustained substantial damage to its lower right wing spar. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures present that would have prevented the aircraft from operating normally.

Probable cause

The pilot lost directional control of the aircraft while attempting an aborted landing.

Contributing factors

Causes

PilotDirectional control — Not attained/maintained

Other contributing factors

Contributed to outcome