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July 1, 1998 · Kerr Startduster TOO Startduste · N159MK

Bay City, MI

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 1, 1998
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Bay City, MI
Aircraft
Kerr Startduster TOO Startduste
Tail Number
N159MK
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI98LA231

The pilot reported the airplane swerved and skidded sideways off the runway during the landing roll. The airplane traveled onto a taxiway where it contacted a 3 to 4 inch rise between the grass and the pavement. The right main landing gear collapsed then the rise was contacted. The pilot/builder reported the loss of directional control was a result of an under inflated tailwheel. He reported it should have been inflated to 38 psi due to the extra weight of having a passenger on board.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's failure to assure the tailwheel tire had adequate pressure which resulted in his inability to maintain directional control of the airplane during a landing. Factors associated with the accident were the inadequate pressure and the uneven terrain contacted by the landing gear.

Full Narrative

On July 1, 1998, at 1520 eastern daylight time, a Starduster Too, N159MK, operated by a private pilot experienced a right main gear collapse while landing at the Bay City Clements Municipal Airport, Bay City, Michigan. The pilot and passenger were not injured. The airplane was substantially damaged. The 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight was operating in visual meteorological conditions. The flight originated from the Bay City Clements Municipal Airport at 1415 eastern daylight time. The pilot reported that upon landing he lost directional control of the airplane. He stated the airplane swerved on the runway, then skidded sideways off the side of the runway. The airplane then traveled onto a taxiway where it contacted a 3 to 4 inch rise between the grass and the pavement. The right main landing gear collapsed then the rise was contacted. The pilot/builder reported the loss of directional control was a result of an under inflated tailwheel. He reported it should have been inflated to 38 psi due to the extra weight of having a passenger on board. Inspection of the airplane by an Inspector from the Federal Aviation Administration Grand Rapids, Michigan, Flight Standards District Office revealed the right main landing gear separated at the attachment weld. When the right main gear collapsed the lower right wing contacted the terrain. This resulted in a failure of the right lower wing rear spar.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:20 EDT
Nearest AirportJames Clements (0nm)
Runway36
Runway Length3800 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftKerr Startduster TOO Startduste
Tail NumberN159MK
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-435 · Reciprocating · 190
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 70 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind360° @ 9 kt
Visibility13 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point46
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time20:45
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data