Probable cause
The pilot's inadequate flare, which resulted in a bounced landing and subsequent loss of aircraft control during landing.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that during touchdown in the tailwheel equipped airplane, it bounced once, and as the airplane main landing gear made contact with the runway, the right landing gear strut collapsed. The pilot lost directional control and the airplane ground looped. The fuselage and right wing sustained substantial damaged.
The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR14CA139 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Mar 19, 2014
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- San Luis Obispo, California
- Nearest airport
- San Luis County Rgnl (SBP)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built STARDUSTER SA300
- N-number
- N490B
- 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.