Probable cause
The failure of the airplane’s right main landing gear due to a pre-existing fatigue crack and corrosion.
NTSB analysis
While on the landing roll in a grassy area with rough terrain, the airplane's right main landing gear broke and separated from the airplane. The pilot was then unable to maintain directional control of the airplane, which then nosed over and came to rest inverted with substantial damage to the upper wing and rudder. A postaccident examination of the airplane revealed that the right landing gear strut had a pre-existing fatigue fracture with interior corrosion, which was not discovered during a previous inspection.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN12CA272 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Apr 27, 2012
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Vidalia, Louisiana
- Nearest airport
- Concordia Parish (0R4)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built STARDUSTER SA-300
- N-number
- N4523
- 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.