# NTSB FTW91DRA02: W. R. Mathis Midget Mustang, N43WM, Nacogdoches, TX, May 4, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Final report
- Date: May 4, 1991, 14:00 local (19:00 UTC)
- Place: Nacogdoches, TX
- Location: 31.6124° N, 94.6520° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Nacogdoches, TX, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=31.6124&lon=-94.6520&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious
- Status: Completed, report March 31, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 23215
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW91DRA02
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/23215/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW91DRA02

## Probable cause

POWER LOSS DUE TO ENGINE STARTER FAILURE FOR UNDETERMINED REASONS.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(partial) - mech failure/malf, takeoff - initial climb
  - engine accessories,engine starter - failure,total (contributing factor)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- On ground/water collision with object, landing - roll
  - object - tree(s)

## Analysis

DURING THE TAKEOFF ON THE 3,000 FOOT LONG SOD STRIP, THE AIRPLANE GOT AIRBORNE AFTER ABOUT 1,000 FEET OF ROLL. AT THREE TO FIVE FEEL AGL, THE PILOT EXPERIENCED A LOSS OF POWER AND 'IMMEDIATELY THE PLANE DROPPED TO THE RUNWAY AND BOUNCED SEVERAL TIMES OFF TO THE LEFT.' THE PILOT PULLED THE NOSE UP IN AN ATTEMPT TO LAND STRAIGHT AHEAD BUT IMPACTED A TREE WITH THE LEFT WING. TERRAIN IMPACT OCCURRED IMMEDIATELY THEREAFTER. A REPLACEMENT BENDIX HAD BEEN INSTALLED ON THE ENGINE THREE DAYS PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT. THE STARTER BENDIX WAS FOUND STILL ENGAGED TO THE FLYWHEEL DURING THE POST ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION BY FAA INSPECTORS. EXAMINATION OF THE BRUSH HOUSING AND ARMATURE REVEALED EVIDENCE OF AN OVERHEATING CONDITION.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N43WM](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N43WM-2013-09-19), registration cancelled 2013-09-19, S/N MB-1250 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: W. R. MATHIS MIDGET MUSTANG (MIDGET MUS)
- Registry model: [Mathis William R MIGET MUSTANG](https://openairdocs.org/model/mathis-william-r-miget-mustang) (registry code 1690372) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: MB-1250
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-D2A 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: William R. Mathis
- Registered owner: William R. Mathis
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Last inspection: Unknown, May 1, 1991, 0 hours before
- Airport: TE52, Just Plane Fun Airpark

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 43; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: center; flight hours: 326 total, 136 in this make and model, 290 as pilot in command, 1 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 77 °F, dew point -0 °F

## 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 19910504014159A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910504014159A), May 4, 1991: Amtrbb MUSTANG2, Nacogdoches, TX, Destroyed. On takeoff roll starter was still engaged to ring gear reducing power. Bounced,veered off runway into trees.

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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