Probable cause
The pilot's decision to not follow the designated taxiway, and failure to maintain clearance from a sign.
NTSB analysis
During the landing roll, as the pilot approached the end of the runway, he decided to cut the corner from the runway to the taxiway. He said the airplane collided with a sign that he did not see. The collision resulted in substantial damage to the underside of the right wing, and the lower right wing spars were broken and separated. He said that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airframe or the engine that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR11CA341 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 19, 2011
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- San Jose, California
- Nearest airport
- Reid Hillview (KRHV)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Night, dark
Amateur-built STARDUSTER II SA300
- N-number
- N411TM
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
Other records under this N-number
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.