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NTSB Report
September 3, 1989 · North American P51D · N51MR
Mar Vista, CA
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 3, 1989
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 serious injuries)
Location
Mar Vista, CA
Aircraft
North American P51D
Tail Number
N51MR
Operator
Jackson Mcgoon Acft
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX89FA295
THE ENGINE'S NUMBER 5 INTAKE VALVE SEAT BACKED OUT OF THE HEAD IMMEDIATELY AFTER TAKEOFF, RESULTING IN THE LOSS OF POWER OF 3 CYLINDERS. THE PILOT ENTERED A TURN TO RETURN TO THE RUNWAY. THE AIRCRAFT STALLED AND COLLIDED WITH A RESIDENCE. THE AIRCRAFT FLIGHT MANUAL RECOMMENDED A STRAIGHT AHEAD FLIGHT PATH IN THE EVENT OF A POWER LOSS. THE REMAINING 9 CYLINDERS WERE PRODUCING SUFFICIENT POWER TO ENABLE THE AIRCRAFT TO SLOWLY CLIMB ON A STRAIGHT AHEAD FLIGHT PATH.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE PILOT'S POOR IN-FLIGHT PLANNING IN ATTEMPTING TO IMMEDIATELY RETURN TO THE AIRPORT AND NOT FOLLOWING ESTABLISHED PROCEDURES AFTER THE LOSS OF POWER AFTER TAKEOFF. THE FAILURE OF AN INTAKE VALVE WAS A FACTOR IN THE ACCIDENT.
Full Narrative
THE ENGINE'S NUMBER 5 INTAKE VALVE SEAT BACKED OUT OF THE HEAD IMMEDIATELY AFTER TAKEOFF, RESULTING IN THE LOSS OF POWER OF 3 CYLINDERS. THE PILOT ENTERED A TURN TO RETURN TO THE RUNWAY. THE AIRCRAFT STALLED AND COLLIDED WITH A RESIDENCE. THE AIRCRAFT FLIGHT MANUAL RECOMMENDED A STRAIGHT AHEAD FLIGHT PATH IN THE EVENT OF A POWER LOSS. THE REMAINING 9 CYLINDERS WERE PRODUCING SUFFICIENT POWER TO ENABLE THE AIRCRAFT TO SLOWLY CLIMB ON A STRAIGHT AHEAD FLIGHT PATH.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:45 PDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftNorth American P51D
Tail NumberN51MR
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorJackson Mcgoon Acft
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsRolls-Royce · V-1650-7 · Reciprocating · 1490
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury Summary2 injuries (2 serious injuries)
Fatal0
Serious2
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 56 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind240° @ 10 kt
Visibility12 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Observation Time00:46
Weather SourceWFAC