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NTSB Report
May 4, 1991 · W R Mathis Midget Mustang Midget MUS · N43WM
Nacogdoches, TX
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 4, 1991
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury)
Location
Nacogdoches, TX
Aircraft
W R Mathis Midget Mustang Midget MUS
Tail Number
N43WM
Operator
William R Mathis
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
FTW91DRA02
DURING THE TAKEOFF ON THE 3,000 FOOT LONG SOD STRIP, THE AIRPLANE GOT AIRBORNE AFTER ABOUT 1,000 FEET OF ROLL. AT THREE TO FIVE FEEL AGL, THE PILOT EXPERIENCED A LOSS OF POWER AND 'IMMEDIATELY THE PLANE DROPPED TO THE RUNWAY AND BOUNCED SEVERAL TIMES OFF TO THE LEFT.' THE PILOT PULLED THE NOSE UP IN AN ATTEMPT TO LAND STRAIGHT AHEAD BUT IMPACTED A TREE WITH THE LEFT WING. TERRAIN IMPACT OCCURRED IMMEDIATELY THEREAFTER. A REPLACEMENT BENDIX HAD BEEN INSTALLED ON THE ENGINE THREE DAYS PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT. THE STARTER BENDIX WAS FOUND STILL ENGAGED TO THE FLYWHEEL DURING THE POST ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION BY FAA INSPECTORS. EXAMINATION OF THE BRUSH HOUSING AND ARMATURE REVEALED EVIDENCE OF AN OVERHEATING CONDITION.
NTSB Probable Cause
POWER LOSS DUE TO ENGINE STARTER FAILURE FOR UNDETERMINED REASONS.
Full Narrative
DURING THE TAKEOFF ON THE 3,000 FOOT LONG SOD STRIP, THE AIRPLANE GOT AIRBORNE AFTER ABOUT 1,000 FEET OF ROLL. AT THREE TO FIVE FEEL AGL, THE PILOT EXPERIENCED A LOSS OF POWER AND 'IMMEDIATELY THE PLANE DROPPED TO THE RUNWAY AND BOUNCED SEVERAL TIMES OFF TO THE LEFT.' THE PILOT PULLED THE NOSE UP IN AN ATTEMPT TO LAND STRAIGHT AHEAD BUT IMPACTED A TREE WITH THE LEFT WING. TERRAIN IMPACT OCCURRED IMMEDIATELY THEREAFTER. A REPLACEMENT BENDIX HAD BEEN INSTALLED ON THE ENGINE THREE DAYS PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT. THE STARTER BENDIX WAS FOUND STILL ENGAGED TO THE FLYWHEEL DURING THE POST ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION BY FAA INSPECTORS. EXAMINATION OF THE BRUSH HOUSING AND ARMATURE REVEALED EVIDENCE OF AN OVERHEATING CONDITION.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:00 CDT
Nearest AirportJust Plane Fun Airpark (0nm)
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftW R Mathis Midget Mustang Midget MUS
Tail NumberN43WM
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorWilliam R Mathis
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-D2A · Reciprocating · 160
Seats1
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 43 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind200°
Visibility7 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO