Probable cause
A loss of airplane control during approach for undetermined reasons.
NTSB analysis
According to a witness, while on final approach at 200 to 300 feet above ground level, the nose of the airplane suddenly pitched up as if in a climbing right turn. Shortly thereafter, the airplane's right wing dipped and the airplane made a sharp 180 degree turn, followed by the sound of an impact. The airplane sustained substantial damage as a result of the postcrash fire. Neither flight control continuity nor engine continuity could be confirmed due to the postcrash fire.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA09LA501 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Sep 7, 2009
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- St. Matthews, South Carolina
- Highest injury
- Fatal
- Fatal injuries
- 2
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Dusk
Amateur-built Starduster Too
- N-number
- N26TK
- 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.