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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

May 12, 2012 · Luttenbacher Kurt Bushby Mustang 2 · N58RS

Kingstree, SC

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 12, 2012
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Kingstree, SC
Aircraft
Luttenbacher Kurt Bushby Mustang 2
Tail Number
N58RS
Operator
Schick Thomas Paul
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA12CA333

According to the pilot, the accident flight was to familiarize himself with the recently purchased airplane. He conducted a few high-speed taxi runs before taking off to practice in the traffic pattern. After takeoff, the pilot turned downwind and set the airplane up for a full-stop landing. While on final approach, about 50 feet above a tree line, the airplane’s right wing dropped downward. The pilot attempted to level the wings but lost control, and the airplane collided with the ground short of the runway. Postaccident examination revealed that both wings were separated from the airplane and the fuselage was fragmented. According to the pilot, there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot reported that he had 1 hour of total flight experience in the accident make and model airplane. In a 2012 safety study on "The Safety of Experimental Amateur-Built Aircraft," the NTSB concluded that "purchasers of used [experimental amateur-built] (E-AB) aircraft face particular challenges in transitioning to the unfamiliar E-AB aircraft. Like builders of new E-AB aircraft, they must learn to manage the unique handling characteristics of their aircraft and learn the systems, structure, and equipment, but without the firsthand knowledge afforded to the builder." Thus, the NTSB recommended that the Federal Aviation Administration and the Experimental Aircraft Association "complete planned action to create a coalition of kit manufacturers, type clubs, and pilot and owner groups and (1) develop transition training resources and (2) identify and apply incentives to encourage both builders of experimental amateur-built aircraft and purchasers of used experimental amateur-built aircraft to complete the training that is developed."

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control during the approach to landing, which resulted in a collision with terrain short of the runway. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's lack of experience in the airplane.

Full Narrative

***This report was modified on November 7, 2012. Please see the docket for this accident to view the original report.*** According to the pilot, this was an initial familiarization flight on the recently purchased airplane. He had conducted a few high speed taxi runs before departing into the pattern. After takeoff, he turned downwind and set the airplane up for a full stop landing. While on final approach, he descended to approximately 50 feet above a tree line when the right wing dropped downward. He attempted to level out the airplane, but lost control and collided with the ground short of the runway. The post accident examination by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed that both wings were separated from the airplane and the fuselage was fragmented. According to the pilot, there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. The wind conditions at the time of the accident were winds 170 degrees at 5 knots. In a 2012 safety study on "The Safety of Experimental Amateur-Built Aircraft," the NTSB concluded that "purchasers of used [experimental amateur-built] (E-AB) aircraft face particular challenges in transitioning to the unfamiliar E-AB aircraft. Like builders of new E-AB aircraft, they must learn to manage the unique handling characteristics of their aircraft and learn the systems, structure, and equipment, but without the firsthand knowledge afforded to the builder." Thus, the NTSB recommended that the Federal Aviation Administration and the Experimental Aircraft Association "complete planned action to create a coalition of kit manufacturers, type clubs, and pilot and owner groups and (1) develop transition training resources and (2) identify and apply incentives to encourage both builders of experimental amateur-built aircraft and purchasers of used experimental amateur-built aircraft to complete the training that is developed."

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:00 EDT
Nearest AirportWilliamsburg Regional Airport (0nm)
Runway14
Runway Length5000 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftLuttenbacher Kurt Bushby Mustang 2
Tail NumberN58RS
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorSchick Thomas Paul
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-320 SERIES · Reciprocating · 150
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 43 · Second Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind170° @ 5 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point52
Altimeter30.34 inHg
Observation Time14:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data