WOOD MUSTANG II FB near San Manuel, AZ — 2012-10-04

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed while maneuvering to final approach due to his distraction by the low engine oil pressure, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.

NTSB narrative

The pilot was flying on the first flight in the airplane since certification. Shortly after takeoff, he reported over a common airport frequency that the airplane had low engine oil pressure and that he was returning to the airport to land. Witnesses observed the airplane maneuver from the downwind leg to final approach for the intended runway by executing a 180-degree left turn. One witness observed the airplane's bank increase to about 90 degrees and descend out of sight. Another witness observed that the airplane was low and slow and appeared to stall. The witness stated that the left wing dropped and that the airplane went straight down. Postaccident examination of the airframe, flight control components, and the engine revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. It is likely that, because this was the pilot's first flight in the airplane and he was distracted by the low oil pressure, he failed to maintain adequate airspeed while maneuvering, and the airplane subsequently stalled. The toxicology report indicated that the pilot was taking medication for several medical conditions; however, insufficient information was available to determine if the pilot's medical conditions contributed to the accident.

Analysis

Primary failure mode

Engine power loss

First missed decision gate

Pilot could have aborted the flight after reporting low oil pressure.

NTSB coding

• Aerodynamic stall/spin · Approach-VFR pattern base
• Traffic Pattern Stall
• Attention / Monitoring
• Experience / Qualifications

Evidence available

• 8 docket documents

Docket documents8

• Party Member Formform
• Release of Aircraft Wreckage, NTSB Form 6120.15form
• Record of Conversationother
• Record of Conversationother
• Record of Emailother
• Examination Summary Reportreport
• Medical Factualreport
• Toxicology Reportreport

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