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NTSB Report
June 12, 1982 · Midget Mustang · N5497M
Millville, NJ
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 12, 1982
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Millville, NJ
Aircraft
Midget Mustang
Tail Number
N5497M
Operator
Don Berlinger
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
NYC82FHD13
THE PILOT PERFORMED SEVERAL HIGH SPEED TAXI TESTS WITH THE TAIL UP. DURING A HIGH SPEED TAXI, WHEN THE AIRCRAFT BEGAN TO WEATHER COCK, THE PILOT ATTEMPTED FLIGHT RATHER THAN RISK GROUNDLOOPING THE AIRCRAFT. AFTER SEVERAL MINUTES OF FLIGHT THE PILOT SET UP FOR A LANDING; HE STATED THAT HE PULLED THREE NOTCHES OF FLAPS AND MADE A POWER OFF APPROACH.AT APPROXIMATELY 20 FEET THE PILOT BEGAN TO TRANSITION TO THE FLARE, HOWEVER THE AIRCRAFT DID NOT RESPOND SUFFICIENTLY TO FULL NOSE UP ELEVATOR, THE DESCENT WAS NOT ARRESTED AND THE AIRCRAFT STRUCK THE GROUND. THE PILOT STATED THAT HE BELIEVES THE CAUSE OF THE ACCIDENT WAS DUE TO HIS UNFAMILIARITY WITH THE AIRCRAFT TYPE.
Full Narrative
THE PILOT PERFORMED SEVERAL HIGH SPEED TAXI TESTS WITH THE TAIL UP. DURING A HIGH SPEED TAXI, WHEN THE AIRCRAFT BEGAN TO WEATHER COCK, THE PILOT ATTEMPTED FLIGHT RATHER THAN RISK GROUNDLOOPING THE AIRCRAFT. AFTER SEVERAL MINUTES OF FLIGHT THE PILOT SET UP FOR A LANDING; HE STATED THAT HE PULLED THREE NOTCHES OF FLAPS AND MADE A POWER OFF APPROACH.AT APPROXIMATELY 20 FEET THE PILOT BEGAN TO TRANSITION TO THE FLARE, HOWEVER THE AIRCRAFT DID NOT RESPOND SUFFICIENTLY TO FULL NOSE UP ELEVATOR, THE DESCENT WAS NOT ARRESTED AND THE AIRCRAFT STRUCK THE GROUND. THE PILOT STATED THAT HE BELIEVES THE CAUSE OF THE ACCIDENT WAS DUE TO HIS UNFAMILIARITY WITH THE AIRCRAFT TYPE.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:30 EDT
Nearest AirportMillville (0nm N)
Runway19
Runway Length5100 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftMidget Mustang
Tail NumberN5497M
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorDon Berlinger
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · O-65 · Reciprocating · 65
Seats1
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind170° @ 5 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point16 C / 0 C
Altimeter0