# NTSB IAD96LA051: Mulholland Witchawk, N152JM, Celina, OH, March 17, 1996

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: March 17, 1996, 14:30 local (19:30 UTC)
- Place: Celina, OH
- Coordinates: 40.549884, -84.570198 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=40.5499&lon=-84.5702&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report October 22, 1996
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 28028
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=IAD96LA051
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/28028/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/IAD96LA051

## Probable cause

the pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for a precautionary landing.

## Sequence of events

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

- Nose over, landing - roll
  - precautionary landing - performed, pilot in command
  - terrain condition - soft (contributing factor)
  - unsuitable terrain or takeoff/landing/taxi area - selected, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

The pilot reported that about 10-15 minutes after takeoff, he noticed that the airplane's liquid-cooled engine temperature was higher than normal.  He elected to make a precautionary landing in an open bean field.  During the landing roll, the landing gear sunk into the mud and the airplane flipped over onto its back.

## Factual narrative

On March 17, 1996, at approximately 1430 eastern standard time, a Mulholland Witchawk, N152JM, nosed over and came to rest inverted, following a precautionary landing in a field near Celina, Ohio.  The certificated private pilot, the sole occupant, reported no injuries.  The homebuilt airplane sustained substantial damage.  Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local flight, no flight plan was filed.  The flight was conducted under 14 CFR 91 and originated in Celina, Ohio, at 1415 eastern standard time.

The pilot reported that the airplane's liquid-cooled engine began to overheat and that he elected to make a precautionary landing in an open bean field.  The pilot stated that "...on roll out...the airplane main wheels bogged in the mud causing the airplane to roll over."

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N152JM](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N152JM), registered now, S/N 152, built 1987 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: MULHOLLAND WITCHAWK
- Registry model: [Mulholland Dennis E WICHAWK](https://openairdocs.org/model/mulholland-dennis-e-wichawk) (registry code 0561290) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Ford CONVERSION](https://openairdocs.org/engine/ford-conversion) (registry code 26701, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: 152
- Engines: Ford 3.8L V6 200 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Dennis E. Mulholland
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Departed: CQA, CELINA, OH

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 41; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 437 total, 10 in this make and model, 394 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 210° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 3,500 ft broken
- Temperature: 52 °F, dew point 39 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: DAY, 39 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 19960317004219A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19960317004219A), Mar 17, 1996: Amtrjv WICHAWK, Celina, OH, Substantial damage. Reported engine began overheat. Landed in bean field. Wheels dug into mud. Homebuilt nosed over. Auto engine. (-23) shortly after takeoff, the pilot noticed…

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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