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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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March 19, 1989 · Miller S.A.L. 2/3 Mustang S.A.L. 2/3 · N51RM

Erie, CO

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 19, 1989
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Erie, CO
Aircraft
Miller S.A.L. 2/3 Mustang S.A.L. 2/3
Tail Number
N51RM
Operator
Dowell Vaughn E
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
DEN89LA088

THE PLT WAS ON A LOCAL FLT IN HIS HOMEBUILT 2/3 SCALE P-51 MUSTANG. DURING THE INITIAL CLIMB FROM RWY 33, THE ENG SPUTTERED & QUIT. THE PLT SAID HE SWITCHED FUEL TANKS & TRIED A RESTART, BUT TO NO AVAIL. THE PLANE WAS LANDED IN A PLOWED FIELD WITH THE GEAR EXTENDED. AT TOUCHDOWN, THE LEFT WING STRUCK THE TERRAIN, THE PLANE CARTWHEELED & BOTH WINGS FOLDED OVER THE CANOPY. A POST ACCIDENT ENG INSPN BY THE OWNER & THE BUILDER FAILED TO REVEAL ANY EVIDENCE TO EXPLAIN THE RPRTD ENG FAILURE.

NTSB Probable Cause

LOSS OF ENGINE POWER FOR AN UNKNOWN REASON. SOFT UNEVEN TERRAIN WAS A CONTRIBUTING FACTOR.

Full Narrative

THE PLT WAS ON A LOCAL FLT IN HIS HOMEBUILT 2/3 SCALE P-51 MUSTANG. DURING THE INITIAL CLIMB FROM RWY 33, THE ENG SPUTTERED & QUIT. THE PLT SAID HE SWITCHED FUEL TANKS & TRIED A RESTART, BUT TO NO AVAIL. THE PLANE WAS LANDED IN A PLOWED FIELD WITH THE GEAR EXTENDED. AT TOUCHDOWN, THE LEFT WING STRUCK THE TERRAIN, THE PLANE CARTWHEELED & BOTH WINGS FOLDED OVER THE CANOPY. A POST ACCIDENT ENG INSPN BY THE OWNER & THE BUILDER FAILED TO REVEAL ANY EVIDENCE TO EXPLAIN THE RPRTD ENG FAILURE.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:45 MST
Nearest AirportTri-County (0nm N)
Runway33
Runway Length5280 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftMiller S.A.L. 2/3 Mustang S.A.L. 2/3
Tail NumberN51RM
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorDowell Vaughn E
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsFairchild · 6-440-C5 · Reciprocating · 200
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 39 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility20 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point61 F / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data