# NTSB CEN12CA537: Gage Midget Mustang MM-1, N41831, Erie, CO, August 11, 2012 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report - Date: August 11, 2012, 14:00 local (20:00 UTC) - Place: Erie, CO - Coordinates: 40.010276, -105.046386 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=40.0103&lon=-105.0464&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining event: [Takeoff: Loss of control on ground](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/230) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 1 uninjured - Status: Completed, report November 26, 2012 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB office: Central Region - Parties: FAA FSDO - NTSB case key (mKey): 84636 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CEN12CA537 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/84636/pdf - NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=84636 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN12CA537 ## Probable cause The pilot's inadequate compensation for the crosswind conditions during takeoff, which resulted in a loss of directional control. ## Findings NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause. - [Wind: crosswind](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03034040): Environmental issues › Conditions/weather/phenomena · Effect on operation (probable cause); cases with it: [Gage MIDGET MUSTANG MM-1, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03034040/cases.md?model=056279N), [All aircraft, 1,008 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03034040/cases.md) - [Experience/qualifications: total experience w/ equipment](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02031025): Personnel issues › Experience/knowledge · Pilot; cases with it: [Gage MIDGET MUSTANG MM-1, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02031025/cases.md?model=056279N), [All aircraft, 269 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02031025/cases.md) - [Use of equip/info: aircraft control](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040): Personnel issues › Task performance · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Gage MIDGET MUSTANG MM-1, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md?model=056279N), [All aircraft, 9,295 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md) ## Sequence of events The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened. - [Takeoff: Other weather encounter](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/400); cases with it: [Gage MIDGET MUSTANG MM-1, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/400/sequence.md?model=056279N), [All aircraft, 1,127 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/400/sequence.md) - [Takeoff: Runway excursion](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/300); cases with it: [Gage MIDGET MUSTANG MM-1, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/300/sequence.md?model=056279N), [All aircraft, 3,643 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/300/sequence.md) - [Takeoff: Loss of control on ground](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/230) (defining event); cases with it: [Gage MIDGET MUSTANG MM-1, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/230/sequence.md?model=056279N), [All aircraft, 4,585 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/230/sequence.md) - [Takeoff: Nose over/nose down](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/096); cases with it: [Gage MIDGET MUSTANG MM-1, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/096/sequence.md?model=056279N), [All aircraft, 2,287 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/096/sequence.md) ## Analysis The pilot reported that he had just purchased the single-seat airplane and that he had discussed the operation of the airplane with the previous owner. The pilot stated that this was the first flight in the airplane for him; the wind was calm when he lined up for takeoff, and as he started the takeoff roll, a left quartering wind blew the airplane off the runway. The pilot further stated that once the airplane’s wheel got onto the grass, he was unable to correct the turn. The airplane continued off the runway, impacted a ditch, and nosed over, coming to rest inverted. The airplane sustained substantial damage to its vertical stabilizer and fuselage during the accident. ## Factual narrative The pilot reported that he had just purchased the single-seat airplane and that he had discussed the operation of the airplane with the previous owner. The pilot stated that this was the first flight in the airplane for him; the wind was calm when he lined up for takeoff and as he started the takeoff roll, a left quartering wind blew the airplane off the runway. The pilot further stated that once the airplane’s wheel got onto the grass he was unable to correct the turn. The airplane continued off the runway, impacted a ditch, and nosed over, coming to rest inverted. The airplane received substantial damage to its vertical stabilizer and fuselage during the accident. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N41831](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N41831-2018-01-04), registration cancelled 2018-01-04, S/N HG1, built 1974 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: GAGE MIDGET MUSTANG MM-1 - Registry model: [Gage MIDGET MUSTANG MM-1](https://openairdocs.org/model/gage-midget-mustang-mm-1) (registry code 056279N) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-290 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-290-series) (registry code 41506, 4 cycle) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane, amateur-built - Serial number: HG1 - Engines: LYCOMING O-290 SERIES 140 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special) - Departed: EIK, Erie, CO - Destination: Casper, WY - Airport: EIK, Erie Muncipal, runway 33, 4,700 × 60 ft, concrete ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 40; injuries: none; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, with waivers/limitations; last flight review August 31, 2011; seat: single; flight hours: 800 total, 15 in this make and model, 750 as pilot in command ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 270° at 10 knots, gusting 16 - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 88 °F, dew point 41 °F - Altimeter: 30.07 inHg - Observed at: KEIK ## FAA reports on this event (1) The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs). - [Accident 20120811015879A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20120811015879A), Aug 11, 2012: Gage MIDGET MUSTANG MM-1, Erie, CO, Substantial damage. On 08/11/2012 at 1415 MDT, N41831 a experimental amateur built midget mustang departed runway 33 at Erie Municapal Airport. There was one person on board who… ## Docket (3 files) The files NTSB released with the investigation on September 18, 2012, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=84636. 767 KB in all. - Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 (item 1, .PDF, 542 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40377207&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%2FOperator%20Aircraft%20Accident%20Report,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.1-Redacted.PDF - Weather Reports and Records (item 2, .PDF, 81 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40377179&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Weather%20Reports%20and%20Records-Master.PDF - Other Pertinent Forms and Reports: Memo (item 3, .PDF, 144 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40377180&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Other%20Pertinent%20Forms%20and%20Reports%3A%20Memo-Master.PDF From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.