Pilot Debrief

Keithley Thomas E Starduster Too near St. Matthews, SC — 2009-09-07

Final reportERA09LA501
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Date
2009-09-07
Location
St. Matthews, SC, USA
Aircraft
Keithley Thomas E Starduster Too
Registration
N26TK
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
2
Phase of flight
Approach

Probable cause

A loss of airplane control during approach for undetermined reasons.

NTSB narrative

According to a witness, while on final approach at 200 to 300 feet above ground level, the nose of the airplane suddenly pitched up as if in a climbing right turn. Shortly thereafter, the airplane's right wing dipped and the airplane made a sharp 180 degree turn, followed by the sound of an impact. The airplane sustained substantial damage as a result of the postcrash fire. Neither flight control continuity nor engine continuity could be confirmed due to the postcrash fire.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have avoided the crosswind turn at low altitude.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 3 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents3

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