Accident Details
On August 6, 2025, at approximately 1552 central daylight time, a Stolp Starduster SA 300 airplane was substantially damaged during an accident near Marshall, Arkansas. The aircraft was operating as a personal flight under 14 CFR Part 91. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, was not injured.
Flight History
The pilot had purchased the airplane earlier that day and completed about six takeoffs and landings prior to departing from Smith Field Airport (SLG) in Siloam Springs, Arkansas. The intended destination was Classic Airstrip (23AR) in Jonesboro, Arkansas. Before departure, the pilot topped off the main fuel tank (27 gallons) and the auxiliary tank (17 gallons), for a total of 44 gallons of fuel.
Loss of Power and Emergency Landing
Approximately 40 minutes into the flight, the engine experienced a sudden and total loss of power. The pilot attempted to restore power by adjusting the throttle and switching fuel tanks, but these efforts were unsuccessful. The pilot executed an off-airport landing in a field. During the landing rollout, the right wing struck a fence post, causing the airplane to flip over and come to rest inverted.
Damage and Inspection
The accident resulted in substantial damage to the wings and fuselage. The pilot reported that the aircraft had undergone a conditional inspection on July 1, 2025, and that this flight was the first operation following that inspection, apart from the six takeoffs and landings performed earlier that day. The airplane was retained for further examination.