# NTSB ERA10LA229: Dalin Ronald K T-51 Mustang, N551RD, Lakeland, FL, April 14, 2010 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: April 14, 2010, 12:36 local (16:36 UTC) - Place: Lakeland, FL - Coordinates: 27.929445, -82.043052 - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=27.9294&lon=-82.0431&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining event: [Maneuvering: Powerplant sys/comp malf/fail](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/340) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 2 uninjured - Status: Completed, report June 13, 2011 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB office: Eastern Region Aviation - Parties: FAA/FSDO - NTSB case key (mKey): 75762 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ERA10LA229 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/75762/pdf - NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=75762 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA10LA229 ## Probable cause The builder’s use of inadequate material for the exhaust manifold adapters resulting in heat damage and chafing of the crankshaft synchronizer and timing wires that rendered an inoperative ignition system and loss of engine power. ## Findings NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause. - [Electrical power system: electrical pwr sys wiring](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01022497): Aircraft › Aircraft systems · Malfunction (probable cause); cases with it: [Dalin Ronald K T-51 MUSTANG, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01022497/cases.md?model=05628XB), [All aircraft, 44 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01022497/cases.md) - [Engine exhaust](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01057800): Aircraft › Aircraft power plant · Design (probable cause); cases with it: [Dalin Ronald K T-51 MUSTANG, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01057800/cases.md?model=05628XB), [All aircraft, 56 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01057800/cases.md) - [Ignition system](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01057400): Aircraft › Aircraft power plant · Malfunction (probable cause); cases with it: [Dalin Ronald K T-51 MUSTANG, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01057400/cases.md?model=05628XB), [All aircraft, 18 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01057400/cases.md) ## Sequence of events The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened. - [Maneuvering: Powerplant sys/comp malf/fail](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/340) (defining event); cases with it: [Dalin Ronald K T-51 MUSTANG, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/340/sequence.md?model=05628XB), [All aircraft, 820 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/340/sequence.md) - [Maneuvering: Electrical system malf/failure](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/332); cases with it: [Dalin Ronald K T-51 MUSTANG, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/332/sequence.md?model=05628XB), [All aircraft, 182 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/332/sequence.md) - [Maneuvering: Loss of engine power (total)](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/341); cases with it: [Dalin Ronald K T-51 MUSTANG, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/341/sequence.md?model=05628XB), [All aircraft, 3,820 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/341/sequence.md) - [Emergency descent: Off-field or emergency landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/440); cases with it: [Dalin Ronald K T-51 MUSTANG, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/440/sequence.md?model=05628XB), [All aircraft, 3,365 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/440/sequence.md) - [Landing: Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT) ](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470); cases with it: [Dalin Ronald K T-51 MUSTANG, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md?model=05628XB), [All aircraft, 10,189 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md) ## Analysis During the initial climb, the engine of the amateur built airplane lost all power. Attempts to restore the engine power by the pilot were not successful as he maneuvered the airplane for a forced landing to a field. A postaccident examination of the airplane’s engine compartment revealed that the left and right exhaust manifold adapters were made of inadequate aluminum material. In particular, the right exhaust manifold was found loosely attached to its adaptor by only two bolts (upper) that were not secured with safety wire. The lower two bolts of the adaptor appeared to have completely vibrated loose and each of the four threaded bolt holes were found stripped. The adaptor material had various degrees of thermal damage and erosion which allowed exhaust impingement onto the crankshaft synchronizer and timing wires that were located directly below the damaged manifold adaptor. The wires’ insulation was found heat damaged and chafed leaving the wire conductors exposed. The orientation of the chafing of the exposed wire conductors was in a straight line, nearly perpendicular to the wire’s length and consistent with having contact with the right lower longeron. Operational testing of the synchronizer and timing sensors system using the airplane’s battery power and the heat damaged synchronizer and timing wires was satisfactory. The engine was then rotated through several rotations using the starter and the ignition system appeared to be operational. With battery power applied, the chafed electrical wires with the exposed conductors were then placed against the right lower longeron and the ignition system became inoperative. ## Factual narrative On April 14, 2010, about 1236 eastern daylight time, an experimental amateur-built T-51 Mustang, N551RD, registered to and operated by a private individual, sustained substantial damage during a forced landing after a loss of engine power in the vicinity of Lakeland, Florida. The private pilot and one passenger were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for personal flight operating under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. The flight originated at 1231 from the Lakeland Linder Regional Airport (LAL), Lakeland, Florida, and was enroute to the South Lakeland Airport (X49), Lakeland, Florida. The pilot reported that after a preflight inspection and normal takeoff, he flew the airplane in the local traffic pattern for one circuit and then proceeded on a short flight toward his destination. While climbing through about 1,000 feet mean sea level with the flaps and landing gear retracted, the engine suddenly lost power. The pilot attempted to restore engine power by turning on the No. 2 master switch and also the No. 1 auxiliary fuel pump but he was not successful. He maneuvered the airplane toward a field for a forced landing and touched down on a dirt path with the gear and flaps retracted. The airplane came to rest upright about 155 feet from its initial touchdown point. Examination of the engine compartment by NTSB, FAA, and airplane designer representatives' in-situ at the accident site and after recovery revealed that the right exhaust manifold was secured to an aluminum exhaust manifold adapter by two bolts on the upper part of the adaptor. The two bolts on the lower part of the adaptor were not in position but were later found when the airplane was moved. There was no evidence that the two upper bolts had been safety wired. After removal of the right exhaust manifold, all four threaded holes of the aluminum manifold adapter were found stripped and heat damaged. The adapter also exhibited some erosion consistent with heat damage on the bottom center of the adaptor. The insulation of the crankshaft synchronizer and timing electrical wires located in the engine compartment beneath the right exhaust manifold were found heat damaged with chafed insulation and exposed conductors on two of the wires. The chafing through the insulation of the wires was in a straight line, nearly perpendicular to the wire length and was consistent with contact by the right lower longeron. The crankshaft synchronizer and timing electrical wires were not heat protected or fire-shielded. Operational testing of the synchronizer and timing sensors system using the airplane’s battery power and the heat damaged synchronizer and timing wires was satisfactory.. The engine was then rotated through several rotations using the starter and the ignition system appeared to be operational. With battery power applied, the chafed electrical wires with the exposed conductors were then placed against the right lowerlongeron and the ignition system became inoperative. Examination of the left exhaust manifold adapter which was manufactured from a similar material as the right side revealed that one of the upper bolts was found finger loose, and the bottom center portion also exhibited heat related erosion but to a lesser extent than the right side. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N551RD](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N551RD), registered now, S/N M07SV6S0HK0130, built 2009 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: DALIN RONALD K T-51 MUSTANG - Registry model: [Dalin Ronald K T-51 MUSTANG](https://openairdocs.org/model/dalin-ronald-k-t-51-mustang) (registry code 05628XB) (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: M07SV6S0HK0130 - Airframe hours: 51 - Engines: Honda J35A4 245 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Operator: Dalin Ronald K - Registered owner: Dalin Ronald K - Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special) - Last inspection: Condition, March 21, 2010 - Departed: LAL, Lakeland, FL - Destination: LAL, Lakeland, FL ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 37; injuries: none; private; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; medical: class 3, without waivers/limitations; last flight review July 5, 2008; seat: front; flight hours: 3,230 total, 549 in this make and model, 3,218 as pilot in command, 43 in the last 90 days, 21 in the last 30 days, 6 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 50° at 15 knots, gusting 18 - Visibility: 15 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: 3,500 ft broken - Temperature: 82 °F, dew point 54 °F - Altimeter: 30.26 inHg - Observed at: LAL, 4 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 20100414031619A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20100414031619A), Apr 14, 2010: Dalin Ronal T-51 MUSTAN, Lakeland, FL, Substantial damage. PIC stated he took off from Lakeland circled the airport one time then headed south. At approximatelly 1000 feet lost engine power and made an emergency wheel… ## Docket (7 files) The files NTSB released with the investigation on December 6, 2010, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=75762. 1.6 MB in all. - Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 (item 1, .PDF, 772 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40336300&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%2FOperator%20Aircraft%20Accident%20Report,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.1-Redacted.PDF - Photo 1: NTSB Digital Photograph. View of the Airplane at the Accident Site. (item 2, .PDF, 161 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40337441&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%201%3A%20NTSB%20Digital%20Photograph.%20View%20of%20the%20Airplane%20at%20the%20Accident%20Site.-Master.PDF - Photo 2: NTSB Digital Photograph. Another View of the Airplane at the Accident Site. (item 3, .PDF, 164 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40337442&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%202%3A%20NTSB%20Digital%20Photograph.%20Another%20View%20of%20the%20Airplane%20at%20the%20Accident%20Site.-Master.PDF - Photo 3: NTSB Digital Photograph. View Showing the Damage to the Bottom of the Airplane. (item 4, .PDF, 105 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40337443&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%203%3A%20NTSB%20Digital%20Photograph.%20View%20Showing%20the%20Damage%20to%20the%20Bottom%20of%20the%20Airplane.-Master.PDF - Photo 4: NTSB Digital Photograph. View of the Right Exhaust Manifold Adapter. Note the Erosion and the Damage to the Holes That Secure the Exhaust Manifold to the Adapter. (item 5, .PDF, 117 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40337444&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%204%3A%20NTSB%20Digital%20Photograph.%20View%20of%20the%20Right%20Exhaust%20Manifold%20Adapter.%20Note%20the%20Erosion%20and%20the%20Damage%20to%20the%20Holes%20That%20Secure%20the%20Exhaust%20Manifold%20to%20the%20Adapter.-Master.PDF - Photo 5: NTSB Digital Photograph. View of the Right Exhaust Manifold. (item 6, .PDF, 110 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40337445&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%205%3A%20NTSB%20Digital%20Photograph.%20View%20of%20the%20Right%20Exhaust%20Manifold.-Master.PDF - Photo 6: NTSB Digital Photograph. View of the Heat Damage and Chafing of the Crankshaft Synchronizer and Timing Wires. (item 7, .PDF, 134 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40337446&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%206%3A%20NTSB%20Digital%20Photograph.%20View%20of%20the%20Heat%20Damage%20and%20Chafing%20of%20the%20Crankshaft%20Synchronizer%20and%20Timing%20Wires.-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.