Probable cause
The pilot's inability to maintain directional control due to the buckling of the right landing gear as a result of corrosion.
NTSB analysis
During the takeoff roll from a grass/turf runway, the homebuilt bi-wing airplane made a sharp right turn. The pilot applied rudder and aileron controls, however the airplane drifted to the right side of the runway and one of the right wing tips impacted a mesquite tree. Moments later, the right wing tips impacted the ground and the airplane nosed over and came to rest in the inverted position. Examination of the airplane's right landing gear leg revealed that it had buckled near the wheel, in an area that appeared to be corroded. The runway's surface was reportedly "rough.”
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN09CA315 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 23, 2009
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Ranger, Texas
- Nearest airport
- Ranger Municipal Airport (F23)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built STARDUSTER
- N-number
- N42WT
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.