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March 29, 2020 · Muse P51D · N151JD

Mesquite, TX

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 29, 2020
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 fatality)
Location
Mesquite, TX
Aircraft
Muse P51D (2016)
Tail Number
N151JD
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
CEN20LA134

Witnesses reported that the pilot took off and turned to a right crosswind in the traffic pattern, followed shortly thereafter by a turn to downwind. The airplane then entered a gradually steepening right turn before transitioning to a steep nose down attitude which continued to impact with terrain. Automated Dependent Surveillance – Broadcast (ADS-B) data revealed that the airplane entered a right traffic pattern after takeoff and leveled off about 1,800 ft mean sea level (msl) on a crosswind leg before beginning a turn to a downwind leg. The airplane subsequently entered a steep, descending right turn until impact. The average descent rate over the last 6 seconds of the flight was about 6,000 ft per minute. The airplane was destroyed by impact forces and the postaccident fire. A postaccident examination of the airframe and engine did not reveal any anomalies consistent with a preimpact failure or malfunction. However, the examination was limited by the extent of the impact and postimpact fire damage. For the accident flight, the pilot had planned to proceed to the practice area to conduct airwork; however, he elected to remain in the airport traffic pattern for unknown reasons. Full right rudder trim was set before takeoff in order to counteract engine torque. Based on the available information, the pilot inadvertently entered an aerodynamic stall from which he was unable to recover. The yaw induced by the full right rudder trim aggravated the stall and made recovery more difficult. The reason for the loss of control could not be determined with the available information.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s inadvertent exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack for undetermined reasons, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall, loss of control, and subsequent impact with terrain.

Full Narrative

On March 29, 2020, at 1518 central daylight time, a Muse P51D airplane, N151JD, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Mesquite, Texas. The pilot was fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. Witnesses reported that the pilot took off and turned to a right crosswind in the traffic pattern, followed shortly thereafter by a turn to downwind. The airplane then entered a gradually steepening right turn before transitioning to a steep nose down attitude which continued until impact with terrain. A review of Automated Dependent Surveillance – Broadcast (ADS-B) data revealed that the airplane entered a right traffic pattern after takeoff and leveled off about 1,800 ft mean sea level (msl) on crosswind before beginning a turn to downwind. About 1518:47, the airplane entered a descending right turn from about 1,700 ft msl. The final data point was recorded at 1518:53; the altitude was about 900 ft msl. The average descent rate over the last 6 seconds of data was approximately 8,000 ft per minute. A postaccident examination of the airframe and engine did not reveal any anomalies consistent with a preimpact failure or malfunction. However, the examination was limited by the extent of the impact and postimpact fire damage. Toxicology testing performed at the Federal Aviation Administration Forensic Sciences Laboratory found no drugs of abuse. The owner/builder reported the accident occurred during the third flight of the airplane. The plan was for the pilot to conduct airwork in the local area and to gather data to assist in determining airplane fuel consumption. After the second flight, the pilot informed the builder that he had inadvertently moved the fuel selector to the OFF position while attempting to change tanks. He was able to correct the situation and had no further difficulties. A friend of the pilot reported that the pilot had cut the second flight short because continuous right rudder input was required. For the accident flight, the pilot took off with full right rudder trim to counter act the right turning tendency.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:18 CDT
Nearest AirportMesquite Metro (0nm E)
Runway36
Runway Length6000 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftMuse P51D
Tail NumberN151JD
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsChevrolet · LS1 · Reciprocating · 350
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 fatality)
Fatal1
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 72 · Basc · Fatal

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point70 F / 45 C
Altimeter30.17 inHg
Observation Time01:19
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data