Amateur-built STARDUSTER SA-300 accident near Erwinna, Pennsylvania, October 15, 2000
On October 15, 2000 at about 9:48 pm local time, a amateur-built STARDUSTER SA-300, registered N3168, was substantially damaged in an accident near Erwinna, Pennsylvania (Vansant Airport). It was a personal flight under general aviation rules (Part 91). 1 person was seriously injured. The weather was visual conditions (good weather).
The NTSB's probable cause their words, unchanged
A total loss of engine power during initial climb for undetermined reasons.
Source: NTSB aviation accident database, copy made October 5, 2026. Docket and reports at the NTSB.
What the record shows
- Date
- October 15, 2000 · about 9:48 pm local time
- Place
- Erwinna, Pennsylvania · Vansant Airport · map
- Type
- Accident
- Injuries
- 1 person was seriously injured.
- Weather
- visual conditions (good weather)
- Aircraft
- Amateur-built STARDUSTER SA-300 STARDUSTER
- Registration
- N3168 · registry record · serial 1545
- Damage
- Substantial damage
- Flight
- Personal flight · general aviation rules (Part 91)
The NTSB's narrative final · quoted from the NTSB record
The pilot stated that during the initial climb in his amateur built airplane, about 1/4 mile from the airport, the engine lost all power. The pilot performed a forced landing into trees. He further stated that the takeoff was conducted with the fuel selector in the 'ACRO' position, and that tank contained 12 gallons of fuel. Examination of the engine by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector did reveal any discrepancies that would have caused a total power loss. The inspector observed fuel in the carburetor, and it appeared absent of contamination. He noted that the fuel selector was in the 'OFF' position, but emergency personnel stated that they moved the selector to the 'OFF' position. Subsequently, the pilot examined the engine and did not find any discrepancies. The pilot stated that the engine was originally manufactured in 1943. It was last overhauled in 1983, and had 99 hours of operation since the last overhaul.
The complete narrative as the NTSB published it. The NTSB's docket holds the report as a PDF and any photographs, statements and other documents from the investigation.
The factual record from the NTSB's investigation tables, in plain English
Pilot
- Certificate: flight instructor, commercial pilot
- Ratings: single-engine land; instructor: airplane single-engine; instructor: instrument airplane; instrument: airplane
- Flight time: 2,426 hours in all; 39 in this make and model; 39 in the last 90 days; 2,364 as pilot in command
- Medical certificate: Class 2 (valid medical--no waivers/lim.)
- Seat: rear
The aircraft
- Airframe total time: 490 hours
- Last inspection: annual inspection, August 1, 2000; 39 hours since
- Maximum gross weight: 1,104 lb
- Seats: 2
- Landing gear: fixed
- Engine: Lycoming O-435 (piston); 0 hours total
The flight
- Departed from: 9N1 Erwinna PA at 9:47 pm
- Destination: N40 Pittstown NJ
- Flight plan: none
- Runway 25, 3,058 ft by 120 ft
Weather at the time
- Light: daylight
- Wind: from 310° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Sky: scat at 11,000 ft
- Temperature: 61°F (16°C), dew point 46°F (8°C)
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observation at 9:53 pm from TTN, 15 miles away
Injuries
| Fatal | Serious | Minor | None | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crew | 1 |
Documents from the investigation the NTSB's docket: the evidence folder behind the report
The docket, the folder of records gathered during an investigation (maintenance records, photographs, witness statements, examinations), has not been read from the NTSB for this case yet; the list appears here once it has. Open the docket at the NTSB.
Other NTSB records under N3168 the same tail number, which may have belonged to a different aircraft at the time
Everything on this page comes from the NTSB's public records. The narrative, probable cause and findings are the NTSB's own words; the coded tables behind the report are written out in plain English, with pilots' ages, home towns and medical details left out. The documents and photographs are the NTSB's docket, shown as the NTSB released them. This site's own text never names anyone involved. A preliminary report can change; the final report usually follows one to two years later, and the page is refreshed when it does.