Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain the runway heading during an aborted go-around, which resulted in a hard landing.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that, during landing, the biplane touched down right of the centerline, and the propeller struck the runway. He added power to go around, but the biplane drifted right, so he maneuvered it toward a grass field right of the runway and shut off the engine. He then leveled the biplane, and it subsequently landed hard, and the main landing gear collapsed. The biplane sustained substantial damage to the right-wing "I" strut. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the biplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA19CA434 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 30, 2019
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Stafford, Virginia
- Nearest airport
- Stafford Rgnl (RMN)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
SMITH SPECIAL SKYBOL
- N-number
- N748JS
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2017
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Flight test
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.