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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

February 12, 1996 · North American P-51D · N551MR

Palm City, FL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
February 12, 1996
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Palm City, FL
Aircraft
North American P-51D
Tail Number
N551MR
Operator
Rupp Aviation
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
ATL96LA046

On final approach, the pilot advanced the throttle, with no response from the engine. The pilot stated that the engine had quit, and he attempted an unsuccessful restart. To avoid a stand of trees the pilot maneuvered through a yard. The aircraft struck an oak tree, came to rest on the approach end of runway 36, and burned. The engine examination revealed that the carburetor idle setting was improperly adjusted which would have resulted in depleting the fuel in the carburetor, a delayed response to throttle movement from the idle position, and loss of engine power.

NTSB Probable Cause

An improperly adjusted carburetor which resulted in fuel starvation.

Full Narrative

On February 12, 1996, approximately 1600 eastern standard time, a North American P-51D, N551MR, collided with a tree and the ground while on final approach to the Naked Lady Ranch Airstrip, Palm City, Florida. The flight operated under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91, and visual flight rules. No flight plan was filed for the personal flight, and visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The private pilot was seriously injured, and the aircraft was destroyed by a post crash fire. The flight departed Leeward Air Ranch Ocala, Florida, about 1510. The pilot had been performing aerial work at Leeward Air Ranch, and was returning home to the Naked Lady Ranch. A prelanding check, which included lowering the landing gear and the flaps, was completed. While on final approach, he attempted to add power, but there was no response. The propeller was windmilling, and the pilot said that the engine had lost all power. The pilot stated that the boost pump was on, he switched the fuel tanks, used the primer, and retracted the flaps. He stated that the airplane could not glide to the airfield, so he tried to maneuver through a yard to avoid a stand of trees. The airplane struck an oak tree and cartwheeled. According to the pilot, the airplane was destroyed by a post crash fire. According to the FAA Aviation Safety Inspector the functional engine examination revealed that the carburetor idle was improperly adjusted which would result in depletion of the fuel in the carburetor with the throttle at idle, and a delayed response of the engine to throttle movement, from the idle position.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:00 EST
Nearest AirportNaked Lady Ranch (1nm S)
Runway36
Runway Length4200 ft
Runway Width200 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireGrd
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftNorth American P-51D
Tail NumberN551MR
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
OperatorRupp Aviation
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsPackard · V-1650-7 · Reciprocating · 1550
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 60 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind310° @ 11 kt, gusting 16 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point70 F / 36 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time20:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data