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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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NTSB Report

August 14, 2004 · Devereux Mustang II · N44DX

Elkhart, IN

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 14, 2004
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Elkhart, IN
Aircraft
Devereux Mustang II
Tail Number
N44DX
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI04CA226

The experimental amateur-built tailwheel airplane sustained substantial damage on impact with terrain when it exited the runway and nosed over in the grass adjacent to the runway. The pilot's accident report stated, "I was able to maintain the center line until the tailwheel touched down. I had trouble keeping the plane under control. The plane veered toward the right of runway, went into the grass, hit a soft spot and went onto its nose." The pilot listed no mechanical malfunctions in reference to the airplane on that flight. The pilot's safety recommendation stated, "More training in type of plane. I have had several hours training in tailwheel but in slower planes."

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot not maintaining directional control during landing roll. A factor was the soft terrain, and the inadequate training in type aircraft.

Full Narrative

On August 14, 2004, about 1600 central daylight time, an experimental amateur-built Devereux Mustang II, N44DX, operated by a private pilot, sustained substantial damage on impact with terrain when it exited runway 27 and nosed over in the grass adjacent to runway 27 at the Elkhart Municipal Airport (EKM), near Elkhart, Indiana. The personal flight was operating under 14 CFR Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. No flight plan was on file. The pilot reported no injuries. The local flight originated from EKM at 1315 and was landing at the time of the accident. The pilot's accident report stated: The wheel landing itself was perfect (as described by others on the ground). I was able to maintain the center line until the tailwheel touched down. I had trouble keeping the plane under control. The plane veered toward the right of runway, went into the grass, hit a soft spot and went onto its nose. The pilot listed no mechanical malfunctions in reference to the airplane on that flight. The pilot's safety recommendation stated, "More training in type of plane. I have had several hours training in tailwheel but in slower planes."

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:00 EDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftDevereux Mustang II
Tail NumberN44DX
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-320 · Reciprocating · 160
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 58 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind70° @ 5 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingOvercast 11000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point55
Altimeter30.20 inHg
Observation Time20:55
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data