Probable cause
The failure of the left main landing gear axle weld during the landing roll.
NTSB analysis
The pilot in the experimental amateur-built, tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that this was his third test flight. During the landing roll, he heard a loud noise, and the left side of the airplane dropped. The airplane veered to the left and exited the left side of the runway. The left side of the airplane dug into the ground and the airplane nosed over.
The FAA aviation safety inspector who examined the airplane reported that the left main landing gear axle weld had failed.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the vertical stabilizer, the rudder, and the right upper wing spar.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA18CA180 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Mar 26, 2018
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Tucson, Arizona
- Nearest airport
- Ryan Field (RYN)
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built STARDUSTER TOO
- N-number
- N5606T
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2017
- 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.