Landing gear collapse during ground roll at Casarrubios del Monte

Casualties unknown • Aeródromo de Casarrubios del Monte (Toledo), ES

A homebuilt biplane experienced a significant rightward yaw and lateral skid during its landing roll, resulting in structural damage to the landing gear and wing.

What happened

On June 6, 2004, a Stolp SA-300 Starduster TOO, registration EC-YKV, was performing a local flight at the Casarrubios del Monte Aerodrome in Toledo. The aircraft, a homebuilt biplane with a taildragger configuration, landed on runway 08. After traveling approximately 500 meters along the asphalt runway, the aircraft experienced a sudden and heavy rightward yaw, leading to a lateral skid.

During this excursion, the landing gear collapsed, causing the left lower wing and the propeller to strike the runway surface. The pilot, who was the sole occupant of the aircraft, was uninjured and able to exit the cockpit on his own.

The investigation

The investigation focused on the aircraft's behavior during the landing roll and the environmental conditions at the aerodrome. Investigators examined the runway layout and the presence of hangars adjacent to the runway. It was noted that the aircraft's path took it past a section of hangars that provided wind shielding.

Technical details of the aircraft were reviewed, noting its construction of wood, steel tubing, and fabric. The investigation also considered the wind conditions, which were reported to be coming from the right side of the runway.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by the pilot losing control of the aircraft due to a combination of limited experience operating taildragger-type aircraft and the influence of variable wind conditions caused by the sheltering effect of hangars located along the runway.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2004-06-06 Star Duster accident near Aeródromo de Casarrubios del Monte (Toledo), ES?

A homebuilt biplane experienced a significant rightward yaw and lateral skid during its landing roll, resulting in structural damage to the landing gear and wing.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2004-06-06 involved a Star Duster, registration EC-YKV, at Aeródromo de Casarrubios del Monte (Toledo), ES.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by the pilot losing control of the aircraft due to a combination of limited experience operating taildragger-type aircraft and the influence of variable wind conditions caused by the sheltering effect of hangars located along the runway.

Investigation report by the Spanish Civil Aviation Accident and Incident Investigation Commission (CIAIAC). Original record: https://www.transportes.gob.es/recursos_mfom/2004_029_in_0.pdf. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the Comision de Investigacion de Accidentes e Incidentes de Aviacion Civil (CIAIAC), Spain - Ministerio de Transportes y Movilidad Sostenible.

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