# NTSB ATL01LA061: Conrad Menzel SA-300 Starduster, N503CM, Jackson, MS, May 26, 2001 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: May 26, 2001, 12:00 local (17:00 UTC) - Place: Jackson, MS - Coordinates: 32.370475, -90.120788 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=32.3705&lon=-90.1208&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 1 uninjured - Status: Completed, report August 21, 2001 - Report: Approved by Office Director - Parties: Jackson FSDO - NTSB case key (mKey): 52423 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL01LA061 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/52423/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL01LA061 ## Probable cause The pilot failure to maintain directional control during a crosswind landing. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Loss of control - in flight, landing - flare/touchdown - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause) - weather condition - crosswind (contributing factor) - Gear collapsed, landing - roll ## Analysis During the landing roll, a wind gust was encountered and the airplane turned into the wind. Attempts by the pilot to control the airplane on the runway failed. The left main gear collapsed on the runway. Observed wind conditions at the scene were 270 degrees at 12 knots with gusts. Runway 16 was in use at the controlled airport and runway 29 was also available. ## Factual narrative On May 26, 2001, at 1200 central daylight time, a Conrad Menzel, experimental airplane, SA-300 Starduster, N503CM, experienced a loss of control during landing at Hawkins Airport, Jackson, Mississippi. The personal flight was conducted by the pilot under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91 with no flight plan filed. Visual weather conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The commercial pilot received no injuries. The airplane sustained substantial damage. The flight originated from Madison Airport, near Jackson, Mississippi, at 1145 central daylight time According to the pilot, the winds at Hawkins Airport were reported from 240 degrees at 8 knots. Runway 16 was in use at the controlled airport and runway 29 was also available, according to the pilot. Crosswind effect during approach and landing was reportedly mild. During the landing roll, a wind gust was encountered and the airplane turned into the wind. Attempts by the pilot to control the airplane on the runway failed. The left wing struck the ground, and the airplane skidded to a stop on the runway. Examination of the airplane revealed the left main gear collapsed and left wing spar bent. Propeller damage was also observed. Hawkins Airport automated weather observation at 1153 central daylight time reported winds from 260 degrees at 8 knots. Observed wind conditions at the scene were 270 degrees at 12 knots with gusts. No mechanical malfunction was found with the engine. The pilot did not report any mechanical problems with the airplane. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N503CM](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N503CM-2020-10-28), registration cancelled 2020-10-28, S/N 1, built 1991 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: CONRAD MENZEL SA-300 STARDUSTER - Registry model: [Menzel Conrad SA300 STARDUSTER](https://openairdocs.org/model/menzel-conrad-sa300-starduster) (registry code 86603EB) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Lycoming HO-360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-ho-360-series) (registry code 41513, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane, amateur-built - Serial number: 1 - Engines: Lycoming HO-360-81B 180 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Operator: Bernard Patrick - Registered owner: Aerial Ads Inc. - Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special) - Last inspection: Annual, May 26, 2001, 0.2 hours before - Departed: MBO, MADISON, MS - Destination: HKS, JACKSON, MS - Airport: HKS, Hawkins, runway 16, 5,387 × 150 ft, asphalt ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 74; injuries: none; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; last flight review October 23, 2000; seat: rear; flight hours: 2,584 total, 65 in this make and model, 2,450 as pilot in command, 40 in the last 90 days, 7 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 260° at 8 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 79 °F, dew point 57 °F - Altimeter: 30.01 inHg - Observed at: KHKS ## FAA reports on this event (1) The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs). - [Accident 20010526010499A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20010526010499A), May 26, 2001: Amtr SA300, Jackson, MS, Substantial damage. (-23)Landed on runway 16 winds 12 KTS variable with gusts from 270 degrees. Shortly after touchdown aircraft weathervaned into wind. Left rudder applied… ## Other investigations on N503CM (1) From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model. - [NTSB ERA19LA016](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA19LA016), Oct 12, 2018: Sa300 Starduster (N503CM), Byhalia, MS, substantial damage. Probable cause: The pilot's failure to maintain a proper approach path, which resulted a collision with trees short of the runway. From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.