Probable cause
The pilot did not maintain airspeed during approach to landing, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.
NTSB analysis
The pilot stated that this was his first time flying the light sport airplane, and he was getting familiarized with the airplane’s flight and landing characteristics. He completed one uneventful landing. On the second landing, he did not maintain airspeed, and the airplane stalled just before touchdown. A witness reported that, as the airplane was approaching to land, its right wing dropped and impacted the ground. The airplane then spun toward the right before the nose section impacted the ground and sustained substantial damage. The pilot stated that there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions of the airplane or any of its systems prior to the accident.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA12CA042 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Oct 18, 2011
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Massey, Maryland
- Nearest airport
- Massey Aerodrome (MD1)
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
DRAGONFLY
- N-number
- N103ST
- 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.