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NTSB Report
February 25, 1984 · Robert H Low Mustang II · N53BL
Des Moines, IA
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
February 25, 1984
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Des Moines, IA
Aircraft
Robert H Low Mustang II
Tail Number
N53BL
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
MKC84LA090
ONE OF THE PURPOSES OF THE FLT WAS FOR THE PLT TO EXPERIENCE A TAKEOFF AT MAX GROSS WT. HE PUT A 150 LB BAG OF CEMENT IN THE RIGHT FRONT SEAT TO SIMULATE THE WT OF A PASSENGER, THEN INITIATED A TAKEOFF FROM A SOD RWY THAT WAS SOFT AFTER A RECENT THAW, USING 15 DEG OF FLAPS. THE PLT SAID THAT HE LIFTED OFF PREMATURELY & THE ACFT SETTLED BACK TO THE RWY & WAS SLOWED BY THE SOFT FIELD CONDITIONS. ALSO, HE SAID HE WAITED TOO LONG TO ABORT & THE ACFT WENT OFF THE END OF THE RWY & THRU A FENCE.
Full Narrative
ONE OF THE PURPOSES OF THE FLT WAS FOR THE PLT TO EXPERIENCE A TAKEOFF AT MAX GROSS WT. HE PUT A 150 LB BAG OF CEMENT IN THE RIGHT FRONT SEAT TO SIMULATE THE WT OF A PASSENGER, THEN INITIATED A TAKEOFF FROM A SOD RWY THAT WAS SOFT AFTER A RECENT THAW, USING 15 DEG OF FLAPS. THE PLT SAID THAT HE LIFTED OFF PREMATURELY & THE ACFT SETTLED BACK TO THE RWY & WAS SLOWED BY THE SOFT FIELD CONDITIONS. ALSO, HE SAID HE WAITED TOO LONG TO ABORT & THE ACFT WENT OFF THE END OF THE RWY & THRU A FENCE.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:15 CST
Nearest AirportMorningstar (0nm N)
Runway17
Runway Length2893 ft
Runway Width170 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftRobert H Low Mustang II
Tail NumberN53BL
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320 · Reciprocating · 160
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 58 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind180° @ 5 kt
Visibility15 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point45 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO