# NTSB FTW94LA277: Hodges P-51-51, N2073S, Beaumont, TX, August 23, 1994

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 23, 1994, 09:45 local (14:45 UTC)
- Place: Beaumont, TX
- Coordinates: 30.099962, -94.170776 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=30.1000&lon=-94.1708&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report February 24, 1995
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 19145
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW94LA277
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/19145/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW94LA277

## Probable cause

THE IMPROPER ADJUSTMENT OF THE PROPELLER SYSTEM PITCH.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with terrain/water, takeoff - initial climb
  - propeller system/accessories,blade
  - maintenance,adjustment - improper, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE INITIAL CLIMB RATE WAS UNACCEPTABLE. DURING A LEFT TURN THE HEIGHT ABOVE THE GROUND WAS 10 FEET AND THE LEFT WING STRUCK THE GROUND. THE AIRPLANE BROKE IN HALF WHEN THE GEAR HIT THE GROUND. TERRAIN WAS ROUGH AND UNEVEN WITH HIGH VEGETATION. THE PILOT REPORTED THAT THE PITCH OF THE PROPELLER WAS NOT SET CORRECTLY AND THAT HE HAD REMOVED THE ORIGINAL PROPELLER AND INSTALLED A LARGER ONE (APPROVED).

## Factual narrative

On August 23, 1994, at 0945 central daylight time, an experimental homebuilt Hodges P-51-51, N2073S, was substantially damaged during a forced landing near Beaumont, Texas.  The private pilot was not injured.  Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local personal flight.

The Pilot/Operator report stated the initial climb rate after takeoff was unacceptable. During a left turn the height above the ground was 10 feet and the left wing struck the ground.  The airplane "broke in half when the gear hit the ground."

During an interview, conducted by the Federal Aviation Administration inspector, the pilot reported the following information.  During the takeoff initial climb, the engine seemed to have lost power; however, engine RPM did not decrease.  Terrain was rough and uneven with high vegetation.  Structural components of the wings and fuselage were damaged.  The pilot later reported that the pitch setting of the propeller was not set properly.  He additionally reported that he had removed the original propeller and replaced it with a larger type (approved).

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2073S](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N2073S-2018-01-16), registration cancelled 2018-01-16, S/N 51-51-1576379, built 1991 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: HODGES P-51-51
- Registry model: [Hodges Robert L P-51-51](https://openairdocs.org/model/hodges-robert-l-p-51-51) (registry code 05624E5) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Bombardier ROTAX (ALL)](https://openairdocs.org/engine/bombardier-rotax-all) (registry code 09050, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: 1576379
- Airframe hours: 20
- Engines: Rotax 503 50 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Hodges, Robert L.
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Airport: BMT, Beaumont Municipal, runway 31, 5,000 × 100 ft, concrete

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 75; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: front; flight hours: 4,600 total, 15 in this make and model, 15 in the last 90 days, 11 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 120° at 6 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 86 °F, dew point 79 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: BPT, 15 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 19940823022739A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19940823022739A), Aug 23, 1994: Amtr P51MUSTANGX, Beaumont, TX, Substantial damage. Not climbing. Made turn at 10FT AGL wing hit. Cartwheeled. Broke up. Prop angle not set proper. Larger prop used.

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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