Pilot Debrief

CROW MUSTANG II near Morton, TX — 2014-04-22

Final reportCEN14LA213
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Date
2014-04-22
Location
Morton, TX, USA
Airport
F85
Aircraft
CROW MUSTANG II
Registration
N48MK
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Landing

Probable cause

The pilot's improper landing flare after encountering a gusting crosswind and his inadequate recovery from the subsequent bounced landing.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that the accident occurred during the third flight test of the recently completed amateur-built airplane. The pilot stated that there were no anomalies with the airplane during his preflight inspection or before-takeoff engine run-up. After an uneventful takeoff, he proceeded to a nearby practice area where he completed basic flight maneuvers and measured cruise performance parameters before returning to the airport for a full-stop landing. Upon returning to the airport, the pilot decided to land on runway 22 because it was longer and wider than the other runway, and the prevailing wind from the south-southwest favored either runway. The airplane landed hard, bounced, and then veered off the left side of the runway before the pilot could regain control. The airplane subsequently nosed over after encountering soft terrain located alongside the runway. Postaccident wreckage examinations revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. A review of available wind data indicated that a gusting left crosswind component of 9 to 14 knots existed during the landing.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have chosen a go-around after the hard landing bounce.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 6 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents6

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