# NTSB LAX01LA218: Stolp Starduster SA-300, N711MH, El Cajon, CA, June 24, 2001

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 24, 2001, 07:05 local (14:05 UTC)
- Place: El Cajon, CA
- Coordinates: 32.82611, -116.972503
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=32.8261&lon=-116.9725&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report October 24, 2002
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- Parties: FAA Flight Standards District Office
- NTSB case key (mKey): 53350
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX01LA218
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/53350/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX01LA218

## Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing rollout.

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Loss of control - on ground/water, landing - roll
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

The pilot was becoming familiar with the experimental airplane because he intended to purchase it from the pilot-rated passenger.  During a touch-and-go landing, the pilot applied too much rudder, and he lost directional control.  When the airplane veered off the runway the lower left wing contacted the ground and broke.

## Factual narrative

On June 24, 2001, about 0705 hours Pacific daylight time, an experimental Stolp Starduster SA-300, N711MH, operated by the pilot, veered off runway 27R and ground looped during landing rollout at the Gillespie Field, El Cajon, California.  The airplane was substantially damaged.  Neither the private pilot nor the pilot-rated passenger was injured.  Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed.  The personal flight was performed under 14 CFR Part 91, and it originated from the field about 0650.

The pilot reported to the National Transportation Safety Board investigator that during the flight he was becoming familiar with the airplane because he intended to purchase it from the pilot-rated passenger/owner.  The pilot indicated that he applied too much rudder during his final landing.  After the airplane veered off the runway, the lower left wing contacted the ground and broke.

A subsequent inspection by a local airplane mechanic revealed the outboard portion of the lower left wing's aft spar was cracked, and the left main landing gear was broken.  The mechanic stated that it appeared the gear had been subjected to an excessive side load.  No evidence of corrosion or metal fatigue was noted in the area of the broken axle.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N711MH (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: Stolp Starduster SA-300
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: 251
- Engines: Lycoming O-320-B2B 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Larry J. King
- Registered owner: Armin H. Holle
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, January 17, 2001
- Departed: SEE, El Cajon, CA
- Destination: SEE, El Cajon, CA
- Airport: SEE, Gillespie Field, runway 27R, 5,341 × 100 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 58; injuries: none; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, with waivers/limitations; last flight review June 20, 2000; seat: rear; flight hours: 520 total, 450 as pilot in command, 7 in the last 90 days, 4 in the last 30 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 270° at 7 knots
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 63 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: SEE

## 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 20010624024509A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20010624024509A), Jun 24, 2001: Amtr STARDUSTR300, El Cajon, CA, Substantial damage. (-23) On June 24, 2001, at about 0705 PDT, an experimental stolp starduster SA-300, N711MH, operated by the pilot, Mr. Lawrence j. king, sustained substantial…

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.

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