# NTSB FTW87DQG01: Replica P51, N51JR, Midland, TX, March 28, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Final report
- Date: March 28, 1987, 15:20 local (21:20 UTC)
- Place: Midland, TX
- Coordinates: 31.979705, -102.130943 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=31.9797&lon=-102.1309&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report May 9, 1988
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 22183
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW87DQG01
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/22183/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW87DQG01

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, climb - to cruise
  - propeller system/accessories - erratic (contributing factor)
  - propeller system/accessories - undetermined (contributing factor)
- Loss of control - on ground/water, landing - roll
  - compensation for wind conditions - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - lack of total experience in type of aircraft, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - ground loop/swerve - not corrected, pilot in command (cause)
- Main gear collapsed, landing - roll
  - landing gear,main gear - overload (contributing factor)

## Analysis

PILOT REPORTED PROP SURGING IN FLT. DURING LANDING ROLL THE PILOT LOST CONTROL, GROUNDLOOPED AND THE MAIN LANDING GEAR COLLAPSED. INVESTIGATION COULD NOT REVEAL A REASON FOR THE PROP SURGING.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N51JR](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N51JR), registered now, S/N 002, built 1984 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: REPLICA P51
- Registry model: [Aviation Adventures Unlimited MUSTANG P51D](https://openairdocs.org/model/aviation-adventures-unlimited-mustang-p51d) (registry code 1690466) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Ford CONVERSION](https://openairdocs.org/engine/ford-conversion) (registry code 26701, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Airframe hours: 119
- Engines: FORD 351 reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Charles W. Armstrong
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Last inspection: Unknown, March 3, 1987, 1 hours before
- Departed: MAF, MIDLAND, TX
- Airport: MAF, Midland Regional, runway 10, 7,500 × 150 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 50; flight instructor, airline transport, commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: front; flight hours: 10,000 total, 5 in this make and model, 9,500 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 360° at 13 knots, gusting 15
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: MAF, 6 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 19870328008839A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19870328008839A), Mar 28, 1987: Amtrst P51AMTR, Midland, TX, Substantial damage. The pilot attempted a downwind landing due to a surging prop. The aircraft swerved on rollout, collapsing the gear.

## Other investigations on N51JR (1)

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.

- [NTSB FTW86LQG15](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW86LQG15), Apr 29, 1986: Aviation ADV. Mustang Psid (N51JR), Midland, TX, substantial damage

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.

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