Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during an attempted go-around, which resulted in a runway excursion and a collision with terrain.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that during landing, the airplane bounced "significantly" and he added power to go-around. During the go-around, the pilot reported that he bounced again because he was "slow to get the nose up." Subsequently, the airplane veered to the right, departed the runway, and came to rest in the grass next to the runway. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and both wings.
The pilot stated that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA15CA185 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 12, 2015
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Whiteville, North Carolina
- Nearest airport
- Columbus County Muni (CPC)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built STARDUSTER SA 300
- N-number
- N5618
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1975
- 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.