Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the ground during an aerobatic maneuver.
NTSB analysis
According to a sheriff’s incident report, a witness observed the experimental amateur-built biplane perform a roll and then enter into a loop. The report indicated that, as “the plane was coming out of the loop, it did not have enough altitude and that is when it struck the ground." The airplane sustained substantial damage when it impacted a field. An examination of the airplane wreckage revealed no mechanical anomalies.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN09LA492 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 1, 2009
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Earlham, Iowa
- Nearest airport
- (PVT)
- Highest injury
- Serious
- Serious injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built STARDUSTER
- N-number
- N1XY
- 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.