# NTSB CEN14LA213: Crow Mustang II, N48MK, Morton, TX, April 22, 2014 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: April 22, 2014, 10:55 local (15:55 UTC) - Place: Morton, TX - Coordinates: 33.729167, -102.733886 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.7292&lon=-102.7339&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining event: [Landing-flare/touchdown: Hard landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/092) - Highest injury: Serious injuries - Injuries: 1 serious - Status: Completed, report October 9, 2014 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB office: Central Region - Parties: Federal Aviation Administration - Lubbock FSDO - NTSB case key (mKey): 89103 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CEN14LA213 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/89103/pdf - NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=89103 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN14LA213 ## Probable cause The pilot's improper landing flare after encountering a gusting crosswind and his inadequate recovery from the subsequent bounced landing. ## Findings NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause. - [Performance/control parameters: landing flare](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062041): Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability · Incorrect use/operation (probable cause); cases with it: [Crow Fred Noel MUSTANG II, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062041/cases.md?model=056295X), [All aircraft, 1,285 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062041/cases.md) - [Performance/control parameters: directional control](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062020): Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability · Not attained/maintained (probable cause); cases with it: [Crow Fred Noel MUSTANG II, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062020/cases.md?model=056295X), [All aircraft, 3,958 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062020/cases.md) - [Use of equip/info: aircraft control](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040): Personnel issues › Task performance · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Crow Fred Noel MUSTANG II, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md?model=056295X), [All aircraft, 9,295 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md) - [Wind: crosswind](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03034040): Environmental issues › Conditions/weather/phenomena · Ability to respond/compensate; cases with it: [Crow Fred Noel MUSTANG II, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03034040/cases.md?model=056295X), [All aircraft, 1,008 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03034040/cases.md) - [Wind: gusts](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03034045): Environmental issues › Conditions/weather/phenomena · Ability to respond/compensate; cases with it: [Crow Fred Noel MUSTANG II, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03034045/cases.md?model=056295X), [All aircraft, 1,199 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03034045/cases.md) ## Sequence of events The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened. - [Landing-flare/touchdown: Hard landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/092) (defining event); cases with it: [Crow Fred Noel MUSTANG II, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/092/sequence.md?model=056295X), [All aircraft, 2,102 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/092/sequence.md) - [Landing: Loss of control on ground](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/230); cases with it: [Crow Fred Noel MUSTANG II, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/230/sequence.md?model=056295X), [All aircraft, 4,585 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/230/sequence.md) - [Landing: Runway excursion](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/300); cases with it: [Crow Fred Noel MUSTANG II, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/300/sequence.md?model=056295X), [All aircraft, 3,643 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/300/sequence.md) - [Landing: Nose over/nose down](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/096); cases with it: [Crow Fred Noel MUSTANG II, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/096/sequence.md?model=056295X), [All aircraft, 2,287 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/096/sequence.md) ## Analysis 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. ## Factual narrative On April 22, 2014, at 1055 central daylight time, an experimental amateur-built Crow model Mustang II airplane, N48MK, was substantially damaged while landing at Cochran County Airport (F85) near Morton, Texas. The commercial pilot sustained serious injuries. The airplane was registered to and operated by a private individual, under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91, without a flight plan. Day visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local test flight that departed F85 about 0945.The pilot reported that the airplane had been recently issued an experimental airworthiness certificate and that the accident occurred during the third flight test. He 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 (2,710 feet by 60 feet, asphalt) because it was longer and wider than the second runway and the prevailing wind from the south-southwest favored either runway. The pilot stated that the airplane bounced after a hard landing and veered off the left side of the runway before he could regain control. The airplane subsequently nosed-over after encountering soft terrain located alongside the runway, resulting in substantial damage to the firewall and vertical stabilizer. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. Additionally, the pilot stated that he had accumulated about 3 hours of flight time in the accident airplane when the accident occurred. The nearest weather reporting station (MNST2) was located adjacent to the airport property, about 0.3 miles northwest of the accident site. At 1055, the weather observing system reported: wind from 162 degrees at 10 knots, gusting 16 knots; temperature 20 degrees Celsius; dew point 9 degrees Celsius; and an altimeter setting of 30.21 inches-of-mercury. A postaccident wreckage examination completed by Federal Aviation Administration inspectors established flight control continuity from the cockpit controls to the respective flight control surfaces. The rudder/brake pedals had been displaced upward into the lower instrument panel; however, actuation of the individual brake pedals resulted in the proper operation of the wheel brakes. The postaccident examinations of the airplane revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N48MK](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N48MK-2018-03-15), registration cancelled 2018-03-15, S/N MII2129, built 2013 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: CROW MUSTANG II - Registry model: [Crow Fred Noel MUSTANG II](https://openairdocs.org/model/crow-fred-noel-mustang-ii) (registry code 056295X) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Amateur-built UNKNOWN ENG](https://openairdocs.org/engine/amateur-built-unknown-eng) (registry code 99999) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane, amateur-built - Serial number: MII2129 - Year built: 2014 - Airframe hours: 9 - Engines: Engine Components Internationa O-360 185 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Flight test, Part 91 - Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special) - Last inspection: Condition, January 4, 2014, 9 hours before - Departed: F85, Morton, TX - Destination: F85, Morton, TX - Airport: F85, Cochran County Airport, runway 22, 2,710 × 60 ft, asphalt ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 82; injuries: serious; flight instructor, commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; medical: class 3, with waivers/limitations; last flight review March 16, 2013; seat: left; restraint: 3-point; flight hours: 5,300 total, 3 in this make and model, 5,225 as pilot in command, 7 in the last 90 days, 3 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 162° at 10 knots, gusting 16 - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 68 °F, dew point 48 °F - Altimeter: 30.20 inHg - Turbulence: Unknown - Observed at: MNST, 1 nm away ## 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 20140422005009A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20140422005009A), Apr 22, 2014: Crow Fred Noel MUSTANG II, Morton, TX, Substantial damage. On April 22, 2014, at approximately 10:30 CDT, N48MK an experimental amateur-built Crow model Mustang II airplane, was substantially damaged while landing at… ## Docket (6 files) The files NTSB released with the investigation on May 8, 2014, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=89103. 729 KB in all. - Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 (item 1, .PDF, 253 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40412125&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%2FOperator%20Aircraft%20Accident%20Report,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.1-Redacted.PDF - Memorandum of Conversation (FAA Inspector Mark McDougall) (item 2, .PDF, 61 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40412126&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Memorandum%20of%20Conversation%20(FAA%20Inspector%20Mark%20McDougall)-Master.PDF - Memorandum of Conversation (FAA Inspector Jeffery Burns) (item 3, .PDF, 80 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40412127&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Memorandum%20of%20Conversation%20(FAA%20Inspector%20Jeffery%20Burns)-Master.PDF - Brake System Examination Report (FAA Inspector Jeffery Burns) (item 4, .PDF, 81 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40412128&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Brake%20System%20Examination%20Report%20(FAA%20Inspector%20Jeffery%20Burns)-Redacted.PDF - Brake System Examination Report (Aviation Mechanic Luc Bourdon) (item 5, .PDF, 89 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40412129&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Brake%20System%20Examination%20Report%20(Aviation%20Mechanic%20Luc%20Bourdon)-Redacted.PDF - Weather Reports (item 6, .PDF, 165 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40412130&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Weather%20Reports-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.